Prevalence and Correlates of Impostor Syndrome and Self-Esteem among Medical Students

Imposter syndrome (IS) and low self-esteem (SE) are prevalent challenges among medical students that can negatively influence their well-being and personal growth. This study sought to determine the prevalence of IS and SE, as well as the factors related to these issues, in medical students at a public sector university.

This is a cross-sectional study, which was conducted in a public sector university; total 350 participants were recruited through stratified random sampling; validated and structured questionnaires were used; logistic regression and correlation tests were used to determine the relationship between SE and IS; and P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Lower family income, particularly the lowest category (0-10,000 Saudi Rial (SR)), was significantly associated with increased odds of IS (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =1.77, 95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.03-3.03, P = 0.036). Students with the highest GPAs (4-5) were significantly more likely to experience IS compared to those with lower GPAs (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.06-3.82, P = 0.033), 20.3% of participants had severe IS, 23.1% had low SE, and SE generally improved progressively from first to fifth-year students; very high achievers sometimes experienced lower SE linked to IS.

IS and low SE are prevalent among medical students, Lower family income and higher academic achievement were significantly associated with increased odds of IS. Medical schools should implement targeted support programs to address IS and boost SE, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds and high achievers.