Mental distress in undergraduate medical students at Majmaah University
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Prevalence of mental distress among undegraduate medical students at majmaah university, kingdom of saudi arabia
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Abdulkreem Abdulaziz Alnasser, Talal Alghamdi, Waqas Sami, Ibrahim Almutiri, Turki Alanazi and Shoaib Albader
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Prevalence of mental distress among undegraduate medical students at majmaah university, kingdom of saudi arabia
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20185-11311
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, highlighted by the World Health Organization as encompassing physical, mental, and social health. Medical education is particularly stressful, presenting unique challenges that can lead to high levels of anxiety and depression among students. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of mental distress among undergraduate medical students at Majmaah University in Saudi Arabia, exploring associations with socio-demographic factors and identifying the need for mental health support services.
High Prevalence of Mental Distress
The study found a notable prevalence of mental distress among medical students, with 35.8% screening positive for various mental health issues. Among these, psychosocial distress (27.2%) and anxiety (24.7%) were the most commonly reported concerns, while depression was reported by 10.5% of the students. Notably, male students experienced higher rates of mental distress compared to female students (67.6% vs. 43.5%), indicating a significant gender disparity in mental health among medical students.
Impact of Academic Year on Anxiety
The findings revealed that third-year medical students reported the highest levels of anxiety, with 42.1% experiencing significant distress. This aligns with previous research indicating that clinical exposure and academic pressures intensify during this stage of medical training, which may contribute to heightened anxiety levels. These results underscore the importance of monitoring mental health as students progress through their medical education, particularly in the vulnerable third year.
Socio-Demographic Factors and Mental Distress
The study also evaluated the socio-demographic characteristics of the participants, including gender, academic year, and living conditions. While gender was significantly associated with mental distress, factors such as place of residency and smoking habits did not show a notable correlation with mental health status. This highlights the complex interplay between individual characteristics and mental distress, suggesting that interventions may need to be tailored according to specific student demographics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study identifies a concerning prevalence of anxiety and depression among medical students at Majmaah University, particularly among males and those in their third year. The findings emphasize the urgent need for mental health education and support programs to help mitigate stress and mental distress in this vulnerable population. Developing stress management and counseling services within medical education institutions could significantly improve students' mental health outcomes and enhance their overall educational experience.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the prevalence of mental distress among medical students at Majmaah University?
The overall prevalence of mental distress among undergraduate medical students at Majmaah University was found to be 35.8%, with higher rates of psychosocial issues and anxiety observed.
Which group of students experienced the highest levels of anxiety?
Third-year medical students had the highest levels of anxiety, with 42.1% reporting significant distress, compared to students in other academic years.
How does gender affect mental distress in medical students?
The study indicated that male medical students experienced higher levels of mental distress compared to females, with 67.6% of males reporting distress versus 43.5% of females.
What methods were used to assess mental distress in the study?
The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), a self-administered screening tool, was used to assess potential psychiatric disorders among 162 medical students.
What is the psychological profile of medical students in this study?
The study revealed significant mental health challenges, particularly anxiety (24.7%) and psychosocial distress (27.2%), reflecting a need for better support services.
What recommendations were made to support medical students' mental health?
The study suggested implementing stress management programs and counseling services within the College's mental health units to help reduce overall mental distress among students.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Mental distress in undergraduate medical students at Majmaah University�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Study (Studying):
Studying, in this context, pertains to the educational pursuit undertaken by medical students at Majmaah University. The nature of medical studies, filled with rigorous demands, can contribute to mental distress, necessitating an examination of how academic pressures affect students' mental health and cognitive functioning.
2) Anxiety:
Anxiety is a psychological condition characterized by excessive worry and nervousness. In the context of this research, anxiety is highlighted as a significant mental health issue prevalent among medical students, with 24.7% of participants exhibiting symptoms. Understanding anxiety levels is important for developing effective mental health support.
3) Depression:
Depression is a common mental health disorder marked by persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities. The study identifies a 10.5% prevalence of depression among medical students, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address this condition and its negative impact on academic performance and overall well-being.
4) Male:
The term 'male' denotes the gender of a significant portion of the study's participants. The research reveals that male students exhibit higher levels of mental distress compared to female students, which suggests gender-based differences that may influence mental health outcomes and the necessity for tailored support services.
5) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the field of study and practice focused on health care and treatment of diseases. As a demanding profession, medical education can lead to high levels of stress and challenges for students, making it essential to examine the mental health impacts on those training to become healthcare providers.
6) Table:
A table is a method of displaying data in an organized manner, facilitating easier understanding of statistical findings. In this study, tables summarize demographic information and mental distress prevalence, enabling comparisons and visual representation of results, which aids in interpreting the data clearly and effectively.
7) Education:
Education in this context refers to the formal learning process experienced by students at Majmaah University. It is directly relevant to the discussion of mental health as it shapes the experiences and pressures that medical students face, influencing their well-being and ability to manage stress and anxiety.
8) Mental health:
Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting how individuals think, feel, and behave. The study focuses on the mental health of medical students, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing issues such as anxiety and depression within this population for overall wellness.
9) Family:
Family signifies the social structure that influences individual behavior and support. In this study, family dynamics may affect students' mental health, serving as a potential source of stress or support. Understanding these influences helps in identifying social factors that contribute to mental distress among students.
10) King:
In this context, 'King' refers to the King of Saudi Arabia, a country where this study was conducted. The monarchy has a role in shaping the educational policies and health systems affecting students, making its acknowledgment relevant to discussions regarding the context of the findings presented in the study.
11) Learning:
Learning refers to the acquisition of knowledge and skills over time through education. In medical education, effective learning is crucial but can be hindered by mental distress, making it essential to support students in ways that facilitate their learning while managing their mental health effectively.
12) Pose:
Pose means to present or constitute a particular problem or challenge. The study indicates that medical education poses significant mental health challenges for students, leading to heightened anxiety and depression, highlighting the need to address these issues to foster healthier educational environments.
13) Mental disorder:
A mental disorder is a health condition that significantly affects an individual's emotional, psychological, or social functioning. The study seeks to identify the prevalence of mental disorders among medical students, particularly focusing on anxiety and depression, critical for developing effective intervention strategies.
14) Arabic language:
The Arabic language is relevant in this context as the GHQ-28 tool used for assessing mental health was translated into Arabic. This ensures that the assessment is culturally appropriate and accessible to students, allowing for accurate measurement of mental distress in a linguistically relevant manner.
15) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the section of the study that interprets the findings in relation to existing research. It provides context for the results, addresses limitations, and suggests implications for future studies, emphasizing the importance of dialogue around mental health issues in medical education.
16) Language:
Language is a system of communication used for expression and understanding. In this study, the importance of language is highlighted in the context of administering mental health assessments—ensuring clarity and comprehension for participants while considering cultural nuances in communication.
17) Citizen:
The term 'citizen' emphasizes the legal and societal belonging of individuals within a polity. Understanding the demographic aspects of citizenship in Majmaah City is significant for recognizing diverse influences on students� experiences, considering how citizenship may shape access to education and mental health resources.
18) Disease:
Disease refers to a pathological condition affecting an organism's normal functioning. The study's mention of disease underlines the importance of mental health in medical training, as mental disorders can impede students' ability to manage physical health conditions effectively, thus impacting their future roles as healthcare providers.
19) Filling (Filled):
Filling refers to the act of completing or providing information in forms or questionnaires. In the context of this study, the process of filling out the GHQ-28 is crucial for diagnosing mental distress, as it allows for the collection of essential data needed to analyze students' mental health statuses.
20) Egypt:
Egypt is mentioned in the context of comparative studies assessing mental health among medical students in the Arab world. Its inclusion highlights regional similarities and differences regarding mental distress in medical education, providing a broader context for understanding the prevalence of such issues.
21) Shami (Sami):
Sami is one of the authors of the study conducted at Majmaah University. As a collaborator, Sami's contributions underscore the collaborative nature of research in understanding medical students' mental health and emphasize the involvement of various professionals in the study's design and execution.
22) Line:
Line may refer to the line of research or data points that the study follows in addressing mental health concerns. It signifies the analytical framework guiding the study, ensuring structured exploration of the prevalence and factors associated with mental distress among students.
23) Mud:
Mood refers to a temporary emotional state or disposition. In the context of mental health, mood is crucial as it influences overall well-being. The study addresses mood disorders, including anxiety and depression, which are prevalent among medical students, impacting their academic performance and life quality.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Mental distress in undergraduate medical students at Majmaah University�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Mental health, Mental distress, Educational status, Male students, Female student, Cross-sectional study, Anxiety and depression, Marital Status, Stress management program, Medical student, Third year students, Family member, Socio-demographic characteristic.