Identification of Academic Stressors and Social Coping Strategies among Medical Undergraduates- A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Academic stress is a psychological and physiological response that arises when academic demands exceed a student's perceived ability to cope. Assessment of the burden of academic stress, identification of stress- associated symptoms and understanding the coping mechanisms are vital to making impactful targeted interventions.
Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted among 317 medical undergraduates from various medical colleges. The perceived stress levels were measured using the PSS-10 scale score. The most common self-reported stressors, symptoms, and coping mechanisms were taken into account from the responses filled out by the participants.
Results: The mean age of the study participants was 21.03 ± 1.62 years, and females predominated (72.6%). A moderate level of stress was found in 99.1% of the study participants. High syllabus load 200 (63.1%), long college hours 195(61.5%) and inability to manage time efficiently 187(59%), were the most common stressors identified. Sleep disturbance (50.8%) was the most prevalent stress-related symptom, and increased caffeine/ energy drinks intake (75.1/ %) was the most frequent change in personal habits. The social support strategy most frequently used was talking with family and friends (41%). Only 4.7% sought professional counselling.
Conclusion: Medical undergraduates experienced moderate stress and preferred informal coping mechanisms. Further research should examine the future of informal mechanisms for effectively managing moderate stress.