Publication:

Perception of medical students about their educational environment and anxiety evaluation among them: a cross-sectional descriptive study

Background Perceptions of the educational environment and satisfaction with one's major significantly influence the preparedness of medical students for their professional careers. Anxiety, often prevalent among students, further impacts academic performance and mental well-being. This study aimed to assess medical students’ perceptions of their educational environment and to evaluate anxiety levels among them.

Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from January 2025 to June 2025 across various universities. The study included undergraduate medical students from the first to final year who had completed at least five months of study. Data were collected using the Dundee ready education environment measure (DREEM) scale to assess educational environment and the generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) scale for anxiety evaluation.

Results Out of 200 participants, 61.5% were female and 38.5% were male. The majority were from clinical years (71.5%). Most students reported positive perceptions of their educational environment. However, a significant portion exhibited mild to moderate levels of anxiety. The average perception and anxiety scores varied across academic years. A significant association was found between perception and the field of study, while no association was found between anxiety and variables like age or gender.

Conclusions Most students perceived their educational system positively, especially in areas related to teachers and academic atmosphere. However, a considerable number of students experienced anxiety, highlighting the need for enhanced support systems and coping skills among medical students.