Publication:

Perceived stress among undergraduate medical students: are academic factors responsible?

Background Stress is body’s response to physical, mental or emotional pressure. Stress is an inevitable part of our fast‑paced life. Stress has been identified as an important indicator of the overall health. If we talk about students, generally, stressors are derived from academia load, classroom environment, faculty interaction, illness, and emotional concerns outside of the classroom. This might affect their academic performance, health and also make them consider suicide. Hence in order to raise concern, this is our small attempt towards our college students to assess their stress level and to deal further accordingly.

Methods A cross-sectional study conducted in a medical college at Muzaffarpur, Bihar. Methods like Simple random sampling and systematic random sampling used for sampling purpose and sample size was calculated using formulae n=Z2PQ/D2.

Results The present study finding suggested prevalence of mild stress among 11 (2.6%) moderate stress in 50 (12%) and severe stress in 356 (85.4%). Academic burden was found to be a reason.

Conclusions Health education activities to be conducted among undergraduates on how to cope with the stress related to academics. Activities (like yoga) should be conducted to encourage students on releasing stress.