Publication:

Prevalence of stress amongst postgraduate residents by using DASS-21 and perceived stress scale: a cross-sectional study at a tertiary care centre

Background The medical profession is uniquely challenging, offering both professional and personal satisfaction. However, postgraduate residents face multiple stressors due to their demanding clinical duties, academic responsibilities and long working hours. Prolonged exposure to such stress can lead to anxiety, depression or even suicidal tendencies. To assess the prevalence and causes of stress among postgraduate residents using the DASS-21 and perceived stress scale (PSS).

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among all postgraduate residents of a tertiary care teaching hospital for duration of 4 months i.e., from July 2025 to October 2025. After obtaining informed consent, participants were provided with a self-administered, predesigned questionnaire containing demographic details, stress-related factors and standardized tools-PSS and DASS-21 (stress subscale). Data were collected and analysed to determine stress levels and contributing factors.

Results Majority of study participant belong to 24 to 29 years of age. 32.72% of PG residents were suffered from mild to extremely severe degree stress as per DASS-21 scale and 56.36% were included in moderate level of stress as per PSS scale.

Conclusions Stress does affect physical and mental health. Academic and psychological were the leading causes of stress. Various preventive measures such as improving time management, coping skills to optimize the balance between professional and social commitment, fixed duty hours, better living facilities in hostel and good quality of food in mess would go a long way to improve the physical and mental well-being of these young doctors.