Clevin Rashmi Rebello, Prasad Budri Kallingappa*, Preethi G. Hegde
Department of Physiology, Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences, Karwar, Karnataka, India
Open Access funded by Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation
Abstract
Objectives: The objective is to study the extent of perceived stress among 1st‑year medical students using the Perceived Stress Scale‑14 (PSS‑14) and its association with sleep quality as assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and attributed stressors. Materials and Methods: A cross‑sectional study was conducted of 121 1st‑year medical students at Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences, Karwar, Karnataka, India. The extent of their stress was assessed using the PSS‑14 and their sleep quality was assessed using the PSQI. Graded stress exerted by the attributed stressors was also assessed. Results: A total of 33.8% of participants had perceived stress scores of >28. Among academic stressors, performance in examinations (34.7%), lack of time for recreation (30.6%), curriculum (24.8%), and frequency of examinations (24.8%) were the highest rated stressors. Quality of food in the mess (50.4%) and lack of entertainment in the institution (39.7%) were the highest rated psychosocial stressors. There was a positive correlation between the PSS‑14 scores and various academic stressors and the global PSQI score. Conclusion: First‑year medical students reported a high level of stress, including academic and psychosocial stressors. Effective changes in the curriculum and living conditions can reduce the level of stress among these students.
Keywords: Perceived stress, Sleep quality, Stressors
