Prevalence and factors associated with perceived stress among KIU medical students at Kiryandongo Satellite Centre
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Date
2019-01
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Kampala International University, School of Health Sciences
Abstract
Stress and its psychological manifestations are currently a major source of concern. Medical education poses challenging and potentially threatening demands for students throughout the world. The study determined the prevalence and factors associated with perceived stress among medical students at KIUWC Kiryandongo Satellite Centre, Kiryandongo, Uganda. This was a cross-sectional study on all medical students from KIUWC enrolled at Kiryandongo Satellite Centre. Data was collected using a questionnaire based on the perceived stress score instrument in addition to some socio-demographic characteristics. Appropriate statistical test procedures were used to study the magnitude of stress and its risk factors. Of the 120 MBChB students included in the study, 73 (60.8%) had severe stress. Severe stress was significantly associated with academic and psychological stressors. The academic stressors students pointed out were frequency of examinations, 72 (60%); wide academic curriculum, 66 (55%); performance in practical examinations, 62 (51.7%); average performance in exams, 51 (42.5%); stringent university rules, 54 (45%); lack of time for recreation, 41 (34.2%); and competition with peers, 48 (40%). Of the psychosocial stressors, students frequently reported financial strain, 71 (59.2%); worrying about the future, 59 (49.2%); difficulty in the journey back home, 56 (46.7%); lack of personal interest in medicine, 47 (39.2%); political situation of the country, 47 (39.2%); loneliness, 46 (38.3%) and high expectations by parents, 43 (35.8%). Academic stressors were the most prevalent with 17 students (14.2%) reporting to have experienced stress often and always, followed by psychosocial stress, 13 (10.8%) and health stressors, 6 (5.0%). The study concluded that perceived stress among medical students was highly prevalent and significantly associated with the academic stressors specifically frequency of examinations, wide academic curriculum, performance in practical examinations, average performance in exams, and stringent university rules. Implementation of coping programs is necessary, and compassionate handling of students’ issues both academic and financial by the university administration is crucial.
Description
A research report submitted to the Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of Kampala International University
Keywords
Perceived stress, Medical students, Kiryandongo Satellite Centre, Kampala International University, Academic stressors