Perceived Stress and Stressors among Medical and Dental Students of Bhairhawa, Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Medical school is recognized as a stressful environment that may have a negativeeffect on a student’s academic performance, health, and psychosocial well-being. This could furtherimpact future health professionals’ attitudes and compromise patients’ care. This study aims to findout various sources of stress for medical and dental students to help prevent many future healthproblems in a student’s life. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study done in Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairhawa,Nepal, among undergraduate final year bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery and third andfourth year (phase I and phase II) dental students, using a questionnaire with Likert’s scale. Dataobtained was tabulated and analyzed using analysis of variance. Results: Results showed that stress during exam 210 (92.9%) and preparation phase 200 (88.5%) stoodout as the maximum stressors for our study group. The least stress-causing element was recorded asterms with seniors 45 (19.9%), adjustment with roommates 52 (23.01%), and competing with peers69 (30.53%). Length of course 187 (82.74%), understanding the course 173 (76.55%), reading severaltextbooks 171 (75.66%), and work overload 165 (73.01%) amounted to significant stressors. Conclusions: Stress has a detrimental effect both on health as well as academic performance. Thestressors at the campus should be identified and proper coping assistance should be provided toindividual students. Systemic efforts are needed to address their concerns and make mental healthcare easily accessible to them. Counseling and awareness are recommended.