scholarly journals Comparing mental distress and help-seeking among first-year medical students in Norway: results of two cross-sectional surveys 20 years apart

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. e036968
Author(s):  
Nora Ruud ◽  
Lise Tevik Løvseth ◽  
Karin Isaksson Ro ◽  
Reidar Tyssen
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Clinical Importance ◽  
Female Students ◽  
First Year ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
First Year Medical Students

ObjectiveTo investigate any changes in mental distress levels over 20 years among medical students, as well as the clinical importance of these changes.DesignTwo cross-sectional surveys 20 years apart.SettingThe surveys were performed at two Norwegian medical faculties in 1993 and 2015.ParticipantsOne hundred and seventy-four first-year medical students in 1993 were compared with 169 students in 2015.Main outcome measuresMental distress (Hopkins Symptom Checklist 5) and Mental Health Problems in Need of Treatment.ResultsMental distress increased from 1993 to 2015 (p<0.001) due to a larger increase among female students, which seemed to be of clinical importance (Cohen’s d=0.63). There was a significant gender difference in mental distress in 2015 (p=0.007), but not in 1993. Independent factors associated with mental distress in 2015 were female sex (p<0.001), low perceived social support from parents (p=0.023) and low perceived social support from other friends (p=0.048). Additional analyses showed that social support from friends was more important for female students than for their male peers. From 1993 to 2015, there was no significant increase in the proportion of female students reporting previous mental health problems in need of treatment (21.3% vs 27.8%), but we found a significant increase in help-seeking among those in need of treatment over these years from 30.0% (6/20) to 74.3% (26/35; p=0.003).ConclusionsWe found a significant increase in mental distress among female medical students over the past 20 years, but also a promising increase in help-seeking among those in need of treatment. The strong and important association between low social support and mental distress should urge both universities and students to maintain students’ social life after entering medical school.

scholarly journals Resilience and sense of coherence in first year medical students - a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lena Luibl ◽  
Julia Traversari ◽  
Friedrich Paulsen ◽  
Michael Scholz ◽  
Pascal Burger
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Female Students ◽  
First Year ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Population Average ◽  
First Year Medical Students

Abstract Background: A broad range of high-quality studies show that medical students often have a significantly deteriorated mental health status. Although starting medical school with values comparable to the population average, only a few semesters later, medical undergraduates show increased rates of psychological risk states and some manifest mental illnesses, such as burnout and depression. In our survey we intentionally assessed mental health parameters from a salutogenetic, i.e. resource-oriented point of view. Methods: We examined first-year medical students in a cross-sectional study and assessed sense of coherence (SOC) and resilience as parameters from the salutogenesis model by Antonovsky in a structured way using validated, self-administered questionnaires. In total, we examined 236 students of human medicine, dentistry and molecular medicine at the Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU).Results: Our analyses showed significantly higher values of resilience among male students compared to female students. In contrast, even though a significant correlation between resilience and SOC was observed, only a non-significantly lower value of SOC was found in female students. Compared to the population average our medical students in their first year of study showed significantly lower values for resilience and SOC. Conclusion: Resilience and SOC are known to correlate with psychological stress (burnout parameters) and depression. In order to keep protective factors like SOC and resilience in medical students at a good and healthy level we see the necessity to address that problem proactively and also from the teaching side. Integrating training focused on the preservation of the students´ own mental health into the medical curriculum from the beginning of university courses, and throughout the whole medical study course, is essential and should be an obligatory training goal. Based on our study results, we also deem it necessary to think about ways to adapt the measures for the gender-specific needs of our students, e.g. dependent on their biological gender.

HELP SEEKING BEHAVIORS FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS AMONG FIRST YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS

2019 ◽  
pp. 92-97
Author(s):  
Van Hung Nguyen ◽  
Thi Huong Lan Hoang
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Well Being ◽  
First Year ◽  
Help Seeking Behavior ◽  
Help Seeking Behaviors ◽  
Seeking Behavior ◽  
First Year Medical Students ◽  
Mental Well Being

Introduction: Help seeking behavior is an integral skill that helps students to improve their mental well-being. However, little evidence on this issue has been known among first year Vietnamese medical students. Objectives: To provide understandings on help seeking behaviors among medical students; and To identify factors associated with help seeking behaviors among first year medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 671 first year medical students at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Depression, Anxiety and Stress scales 21 items (Lovibond, 1995) and Attitude Towards Seeking Professional Psychological Helps (Allyn, 1995) were used to collect data. Results: Mean of age was 18.8 ± 0.8. There was 56% students had never ever heard about help seeking behaviors and 79% had misperception. There was only 2.4% of students ready to seek professional helps when facing with depressive, stress or anxious symptoms; 14% of students often sought helps, mostly from their parents or friends. Whereas, seeking medical or psychological helps for mental well-being accounted for only 12%. Conclusion: Seeking professional help was low whereas a significantly high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was found among freshman medical students. Health education on help seeking behavior could be a necessary intervention for improving mental well-being for first year medical students. Key words: Help seeking behaviors, depression, anxiety, and stress scales; medical students

scholarly journals Resilience and sense of coherence in first year medical students - a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lena Luibl ◽  
Julia Traversari ◽  
Friedrich Paulsen ◽  
Michael Scholz ◽  
Pascal Burger
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Female Students ◽  
First Year ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Population Average ◽  
First Year Medical Students

Abstract Background: A broad range of studies show that medical students often have a significantly deteriorated mental health status. Although starting medical school with values comparable to the population average, only a few semesters later, medical undergraduates show increased rates of psychological risk states and some manifest mental illnesses, such as burnout and depression. In our survey we intentionally assessed mental health parameters from a salutogenetic, i.e. resource-oriented point of view. Methods: We examined first-year medical students in a cross-sectional study and assessed sense of coherence (SOC) and resilience as parameters from the salutogenesis model by Antonovsky in a structured way using validated, self-administered questionnaires. In total, we examined 236 students of human medicine, dentistry and molecular medicine at the Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU).Results: Our analyses showed significantly higher values of resilience among male students compared to female students. In contrast, even though a significant correlation between resilience and SOC was observed, only a non-significantly lower value of SOC was found in female students. Compared to the population average our medical students in their first year of study showed significantly lower values for resilience and SOC. Conclusion: Resilience and SOC are known to correlate with psychological stress (burnout parameters) and depression. In order to keep protective factors like SOC and resilience in medical students at a good and healthy level we see the necessity to address that problem proactively and educationally. Integrating training focused on the preservation of the students´ own mental health into the medical curriculum from the beginning of university courses, and throughout the whole medical study course, is essential and should be an obligatory training goal. Based on our study results, we also deem it necessary to think about ways to adapt the measures for the gender-specific needs of our students, e.g. dependent on their biological gender.

scholarly journals Resilience and sense of coherence in first year medical students - a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lena Luibl ◽  
Julia Traversari ◽  
Friedrich Paulsen ◽  
Michael Scholz ◽  
Pascal Burger
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Female Students ◽  
First Year ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Study Results ◽  
First Year Medical Students

AbstractBackgroundA broad range of studies show that medical students often have a significantly deteriorated mental health status. Although starting medical school with values comparable to the population average, only a few semesters later, medical undergraduates show increased rates of psychological risk states and some manifest mental illnesses, such as burnout and depression. In our survey we intentionally assessed mental health parameters from a salutogenetic, i.e. resource-oriented point of view.MethodsWe examined first-year medical students in a cross-sectional study and assessed sense of coherence (SOC) and resilience as parameters from the salutogenesis model by Antonovsky in a structured way using validated, self-administered questionnaires. In total, we examined 236 students of human medicine, dentistry and molecular medicine at the Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU).ResultsOur analyses showed significantly higher values of resilience among male students compared to female students (p < 0.01). In contrast, even though a significant correlation between resilience and SOC was observed, only a non-significantly lower value of SOC was found in female students. Compared to the reference sample our medical students in their first year of study showed significantly lower values for resilience (p < 0.01) and SOC (p < 0.01).ConclusionResilience and SOC are known to correlate with psychological stress (burnout parameters) and depression. In order to keep protective factors like SOC and resilience in medical students at a good and healthy level we see the necessity to address that problem proactively and educationally. Integrating training focused on the preservation of the students´ own mental health into the medical curriculum from the beginning of university courses, and throughout the whole medical study course, is essential and should be an obligatory training goal. Based on our study results, we also deem it necessary to think about ways to adapt the measures for the gender-specific needs of our students, e.g. dependent on their biological gender.

Are Future Doctors Prepared to Address Patients’ Nutritional Needs? Cooking and Nutritional Knowledge and Habits in Medical Students

2021 ◽  
pp. 155982762110181
Author(s):  
Sam Sugimoto ◽  
Drew Recker ◽  
Elizabeth E. Halvorson ◽  
Joseph A. Skelton
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Prior Knowledge ◽  
The United States ◽  
First Year ◽  
Nutritional Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutritional Needs ◽  
Second Year ◽  
First Year Medical Students

Background. Many diseases are linked to lifestyle in the United States, yet physicians receive little training in nutrition. Medical students’ prior knowledge of nutrition and cooking is unknown. Objective. To determine incoming medical students’ prior nutrition knowledge, culinary skills, and nutrition habits. Methods. A dual-methods study of first-year medical students. Cross-sectional survey assessing prior knowledge, self-efficacy, and previous education of cooking and nutrition. Interviews of second-year medical students explored cooking and nutrition in greater depth. Results. A total of 142 first-year medical students participated; 16% had taken a nutrition course, with majority (66%) learning outside classroom settings. Students had a mean score of 87% on the Nutritional Knowledge Questionnaire versus comparison group (64.9%). Mean cooking and food skills score were lower than comparison scores. Overall, students did not meet guidelines for fiber, fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. Interviews with second-year students revealed most learned to cook from their families; all believed it important for physicians to have this knowledge. Conclusions. Medical students were knowledgeable about nutrition, but typically self-taught. They were not as confident or skilled in cooking, and mostly learned from their family. They expressed interest in learning more about nutrition and cooking.

scholarly journals Perception of Peer learning, as an innovative learning strategy among first year medical students lacking senior guidance.

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (09) ◽  
pp. 1895-1901
Author(s):  
Ahmed Murtaz Khalid ◽  
Noman Sadiq ◽  
Aiman Farogh Anjum ◽  
Iffat Naiyar Hashmi ◽  
Misbah Aslam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Learning Strategy ◽  
Peer Learning ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
First Year ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Innovative Learning ◽  
First Year Medical Students

Objectives: To know the perception of peer-learning among first batch of 1st year medical students in CMH Kharian Medical College. Study Design: Cross-Sectional study. Setting: CMH Kharian Medical College. Period: June 2018 and September 2018. Material & Methods: Questionnaire was distributed among hundred first year medical students on self-reflection and feedback after 15 min power point presentation given by their fellow students based on different pathophysiological scenarios. Results: Out of 100 students, 85 filled out questionnaire form completely. 60% of students were of the opinion that peer-learning facilitated them to perform better in the exam, and can be continued for future batches. 50% of students agreed that this innovative learning modality was conducted in a systematic manner, helped them to improve their understanding of the subject and learning was fostered based on the principles of self-reflection and feedback. Problem solving ability was improved by peer learning format according to 49% of students, while 47% of students reported that this innovative learning strategy provided them with a tool to improve their learning through interaction, while research capabilities of 37% students were improved. Conclusion: Majority of first year medical students lacking senior guidance learned better in a comfortable environment from their peers, and improved understanding of the core subject by realizing the implication of the concept of self-reflection and feedback.

scholarly journals The COVID-19 pandemic and first-year medical students’ academic motivation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aidos K. Bolatov
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Extrinsic Motivation ◽  
Academic Motivation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
First Year ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
First Year Medical Students

Abstract The study aimed to investigate the relationships between academic motivation and the psychological well-being of 1st-year medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The total number of respondents in the cross-sectional study was 273. Intrinsic motivation was positively correlated with fear of COVID-19 and negatively correlated with psychological collapse and negative changes in quality of life due to the COVID-19. Extrinsic motivation positively associated with fear of COVID-19. Amotivation positively correlated with psychological collapse and negative changes in quality of life. In conclusion, COVID-19-related changes in quality of life and psychological destruction were predictors of academic motivation among 1st-year medical students.

scholarly journals Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among First-year Medical Students in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 59 (236) ◽  
Author(s):  
Priyanka Shah ◽  
Alisha Sapkota ◽  
Anjeel Chhetri
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Tertiary Care Hospital ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Early Years ◽  
First Year ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
First Year Medical Students

Introduction: Medical students are prone to develop stress, anxiety and depression owing to vastness of curriculum, hectic lifestyle, economic burden, and competitiveness of medical field. The study aims to find out the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among first-year medical students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 91 first-year students of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery enrolled in a tertiary care hospital using depression, anxiety, and stress-42 scale along with a questionnaire regarding sociodemographic and stressors for their problems. Whole sampling was done and the study was conducted between June and July 2018 after taking ethical approval from the Research and Institutional Review Committee (Reference Number: 57-074/075). Results: The highest prevalence among undergraduate medical students was found to be anxiety 54 (59.3%), followed by stress 41 (45.1%) and depression 40 (44%). Conclusions: Almost half of the first-year medical students reported some level of depression, anxiety, or stress. It is important to implement programs in the early years of the medical school from the administrative level to help and identify students suffering from depression, anxiety, and stress.

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