Perceived stress in Saudi undergraduate medical students

摘要

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and magnitude of stress in Saudi undergraduate medical students and its associated socio-demographic factors using a cross-sectional design. It was conducted at King Khalid University Medical College during September-October 2016, including 267 students of both sexes and all study levels. Data was collected using an anonymous self administered questionnaire including socio-demographic information like participant details and family details, along with the Kessler -10 scale for measuring stress. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS 17.0. Results were described as frequencies, percentages, mean?±SD. Independent samples t test and ANOVA were used to study the relationship of stress with various social and demographic factors. A mean stress score of 23.46?±7.77 was observed. This is graded as mild stress according to Kessler scale classification. Forty four students, i.e. 16.5% reported perception of high stress, while 23.6% students perceived mild and 26.6% reported moderate stress. Students who perceived no stress comprised one third (33.3%) of the study population.  A significant relationship of female gender with stress was observed (p??0.0001). It was concluded that most of the medical students undergo some degree of stress during their study period and female students have significantly more stress than their male counterparts.