Psychological Distress and Sources of Stressors amongst Medical and Science Undergraduate Students in Malaysia
Abstract: This study aims to
compare the prevalence of psychological distress between medical and science
undergraduate students and to assess the sources of stressors that are
attributing to it. Methods: A sample of 697 undergraduate students participated
in this study, in which 501 were medical students and the remaining 196 were
Science students. Psychological distress was assessed using the 12-item General
Health Questionnaire. The students were given a list of possible sources of
stress which were chosen depending on previous studies. Results: The overall
prevalence of psychological distress was 32.6%. Science students showed a
significantly higher rate and mean score of psychological distress than medical
students, and the mean score was significantly higher during the clinical phase
rather than the pre-clinical phase in medical students. Overall, female
students had a significantly higher mean score than males, however although the
mean score was higher in females it was only significant in the pre-clinical
phase. In addition to academic and psychological stressors, factors such as
reduced holidays, lack of time for relaxation, and limitation of
leisure/entertainment time were among the top ten stressors reported by the
students. Conclusions: Psychological distress is common among university
students, and it is higher among science students than medical students.
Academic and psychological factors can be considered as sources of stressors
which may precipitate psychological distress among college students.
Keywords: Psychological;
distress; stressors; undergraduate; Malaysia
Author: Ali S Radeef, Ghasak G
Faisal
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg170244
