Abstract :
Background and Objective: Several studies have shown that medical students experience high levels of stress during their undergraduate course, due to the medical curriculum. Due to COVID shut down, now students are away from regular college routine, but are they still stressed? This study was conducted to better understand student’s experiences of stress, for instance, what causes students stress and what students do to manage their feelings of stress.
Materials and Methods: First year medical students from various medical colleges in Karnataka were selected for the study. Questionnaire related to symptoms of stress and coping methods, Grading the reason of stress and needed guidance were included. Questions were circulated online. 115 responses were recorded and analyzed.
Results: This study showed in the past three months during the shutdown, 63 percent of students were feeling low, 60 percent students said they are feeling anxious. 60 percent felt irritable. 30-50 percent students are completely stressed of missing on regular classes, practical and clinical exposure, uncertainty of exams and uncertain future. More than 5 percent students are sorting medical help for the same. More than 90 percent of students who are stressed are trying many relaxation methods. None of the students have opted for any college faculty or councilors for help during this crisis.
Discussion and Conclusion: More than 50 percent medical students are stressed and are having symptoms None of them have opted for guidance or counselling from the colleges. From this study, I conclude that all colleges must provide college councilors or staff to help students deal with their stress during such crisis. On a regular basis, student must be made aware of counsellors or mentors in college or attached hospital, whom they can consult when needed.
Keyword :
Stress, Questionnaire, Councilors.