Analysis of stressors in fifth-semester medical students: a quantitative and qualitative approach
Keywords:
ESTRÉS PSICOLÓGICO; ESTUDIANTES DE MEDICINA; SALUD MENTAL., STRESS, PSYCHOLOGICAL; STUDENTS, MEDICAL; MENTAL HEALTH., ESTRESSE PSICOLÓGICO; ESTUDIANTES DE MEDICINA; SAÚDE MENTAL.Abstract
Introduction: academic stress is a frequent phenomenon among university students, especially in Medicine, impacting their physical and psychological health.
Objective: to analyze the main stress factors in fifth-semester medical students.
Methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional study with a mixed approach was conducted at the Universidad Regional Autónoma de los Andes in 2024. Eighty-seven students participated, selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling, who met the inclusion criteria. The application of an instrument allowed the collection of information that addressed the analyzed variables, using descriptive statistical methods. Medical ethics were respected.
Results: most students were located in zone 3 (39 %), followed by zone 4 (32 %) and zone 5 (27 %), the latter associated with a high risk of psychological impairment. The most influential stress factors were personality (2097 points), interpersonal relationships (2060), and work/occupation (1883). Sociodemographic variables such as marital status, age, and employment situation were found to increase the final score in certain cases.
Conclusions: the findings show that personality is the main stressor among medical students, followed by relationships and occupation. The significant prevalence of young people in high-stress zones highlights the need to implement psychosocial intervention strategies and emotional support programs to prevent negative consequences on mental health and optimize academic performance.
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