Stress and coping strategies among medical students in National University of Malaysia, Malaysia University of Sabah and University Kuala Lumpur Royal College of Medicine Perak

Abstract

Introduction : Stress is part of our life. It can happen anywhere including in medical school. Medical school is perceived as being stressful because their difficulties in education, longest period of study and dealing with the patients. Stress can be perceive as negative or positive. Coping strategies are the method that we can use to prevent stress when it comes to us. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of stress and coping strategies among of medical students in National University of Malaysia, Malaysia University of Sabah and Universiti Kuala Lumpur Royal College of Medicine Perak. Methods : This study involved 450 medical students through stratified sampling in which 150 medical students from each of the three universities. This study was conducted through self administered questionnaires. The questionnaires included were socio demographic factor, Personal Stress Inventory (using Stress Symptoms Scale with 52 items), BRIEF COPE (Coping Orientation for Problems Experienced with 28 items). The determination of cut off point for stress symptoms score was using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. Results : Response rate was 90.8%. The prevalence of stress among medical students were 44.1%. The contributory factors to the stress were financial problems, stress of up coming examination period, relationship problems with parents, peers, siblings and lecturers. Coping mechanisms which had significant association with stress includes self distraction, venting of emotion, denial, behavioral disengagement, humor and self blaming. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant association (p<0.05) between stress scores and venting of emotion, self blaming, problems of relationship with peers, parents, lecturers and financial problems. These factors explained the 30.1% variation of stress score symptoms. Conclusion : Almost half of the medical students had stress and they have used coping strategies during handling the stress from worsening. Financial problems and relationship problems were the two most influencing factors in stress. Therefore, the results of this study can be used to determine the preventive steps in stress among medical students and the coping strategies used in handling stress.