EXPLORING STRESS FACTORS AMONG MEDICAL UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS: A SURVEY ON ACADEMIC, ENVIRONMENTAL, PERSONAL, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS FACTORS IN STUDY POPULATION OF A TERTIARY CARE ACADEMIC INSTITUTION

Abstract

In the challenging realm of student life, students face a myriad of stressors, impacting their academic and personal lives. This prospective study explores stress factors among first-year MBBS students, employing a comprehensive questionnaire-based approach. The findings reveal a mean Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) score of 25.53±5.55, with academic factors being most common followed by personal factors. A comparison with other studies underscores variations in stress levels, emphasizing the influence of socio-cultural factors. Academic stressors, including fear of failure and high exam frequency, emerges prominently. Environmental stressors encompass home sickness and cultural differences, while personal factors involve maintaining mental, physical, and social balance. The study emphasizes on targeted interventions, such as counseling and faculty support, to address the diverse stressors faced by medical students. Through understanding and proactive measures, the aim is to cultivate a more compassionate and resilient academic environment.