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Stress among Portuguese Medical Students: A National Cross-Sectional Study
Maria João Oura1, Ana Raquel Moreira1, Paulo Santos1,2
1Department of Medicine of Community, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
Journal of Environmental and Public Health
|September 23, 2020
Summary
Nearly half of Portuguese medical students experience significant stress, impacting their well-being and academic performance. Poor lifestyle habits and low support exacerbate stress, highlighting the need for interventions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Medical school is demanding, often negatively impacting student mental health.
- High stress levels can reduce quality of life, academic success, and patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess stress levels in final-year medical students in Portugal.
- To identify factors associated with stress in this population.
Main Methods:
- An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted.
- An online questionnaire, including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), was used.
- Logistic regression analyzed determinants of stress.
Main Results:
- 49.9% of 501 surveyed students reported significant stress.
- 20.8% experienced extremely high stress levels.
- Stress correlated with poor sleep/eating habits, time management issues, social/academic dissatisfaction, and low family support.
Conclusions:
- High stress is prevalent among Portuguese medical students.
- Social and academic factors significantly contribute to student stress.
- Coping strategies are crucial for student well-being and future healthcare quality.
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