Prevalence of Stress and Coping Behaviors among Medical Students at University of AL-Qadisiyah

Abstract

Background: Studying medicine, particularly, creates considerable deal of stress. Therefore, the aim of current study was to evaluate prevalence of stress and coping behaviors among medical students. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based study conducted at AL-Qadisiyah Medical School from October to December 2018. The target population was 4th- and 5th-years medical students. Data were collected using Arabic versions of three self-reported questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS statistical software. Results: Participation rate was 70% and participants aged 19 to 26 years. Also, the most common stressors were “academic-related stressors” and the most frequently used coping behvior was “problem-solving behavior”. Conclusion: The academic and clinical settings at AL-Qadisiyah Medical School were percieved stressful.