Comparison of Perceived Stress and Coping Strategies in Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students in A Medical College in Assam

Abstract

Medical education is extremely stressful, comprising of rigorous training period. Both undergraduate and postgraduate medical students suffer from a higher level of stress, including high academic performance and clinical training, which requires effective coping strategies. Aims and Objectives– Comparison and analysis of the perceived stress and coping strategies in undergraduate and postgraduate medical students of a Medical College in Assam, India. Methodology– A cross-sectional study, conducted using predesigned, validated, self-administered, structured tools consisting of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Brief COPE inventory to measure the perception of stress and coping strategies, respectively, in 160 medical students over 2 months. PSS is a 10-item scale with a 0-40 score range. Brief COPE has 60 coping assessment questionnaires. The results of the two groups were compared and analysed with each other. Statistical Analysis- “Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSSv22) (SPSS Inc., Chicago, USA)” was used to analyse the values. The Chi-square test, Student t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson coefficient were used to test significance and association, respectively. Results– The stress scores were higher (low- 3.8%, moderate – 81.3%, high – 15%) in postgraduate students compared to undergraduate students (low- 15%, moderate – 63.8%, high- 21.3%). The post-graduation students utilised positive approach coping strategies (Active coping, Use of emotional support, Humour and Acceptance). The undergraduate students who utilised negative avoidant coping strategies (Self-distraction, Denial, Behavioural disengagement and Self-blame). Significant gender and age differences were observed. Conclusion– Stress is one of the major growing mental problems which should not be ignored. It should be addressed promptly in medical students to provide society with better doctors with advanced coping skills.