Perceived Stress and Stressors among Medical and Dental Students of Bhairhawa, Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Medical school is recognized as a stressful environment that may have a negative effect on a student’s academic performance, health, and psychosocial well-being. This could further impact future health professionals' attitudes and compromise patients' care. This study aims to find out various sources of stress for medical and dental students to help prevent many future health problems in a student’s life. METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study done in Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairhawa, Nepal, among undergraduate final year bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery and third and fourth year (phase I and phase II) dental students, using a questionnaire with Likert’s scale. Data obtained was tabulated and analyzed using analysis of variance. RESULTS: Results showed that stress during exam 210 (92.9%) and preparation phase 200 (88.5%) stood out as the maximum stressors for our study group. The least stress-causing element was recorded as terms with seniors 45 (19.9%), adjustment with roommates 52 (23.01%), and competing with peers 69 (30.53%). Length of course 187 (82.74%), understanding the course 173 (76.55%), reading several textbooks 171 (75.66%), and work overload 165 (73.01%) amounted to significant stressors. CONCLUSIONS: Stress has a detrimental effect both on health as well as academic performance. The stressors at the campus should be identified and proper coping assistance should be provided to individual students. Systemic efforts are needed to address their concerns and make mental health care easily accessible to them. Counseling and awareness are recommended.