scholarly journals Higher stress scores for female medical students measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) in Pakistan

Author(s):  
Khadija Qamar ◽  
Muhammad Rizwan Bash Kiani ◽  
Aisha Ayyub ◽  
Atif Ahmed Khan ◽  
Mohammad Osama

The aim of this study was to determine the stress level of medical students and the relationship between stress and academic year. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted at an undergraduate medical school with a five-year curriculum, in Pakistan, from January 2014 to April 2014. Medical students in the first four years were included in the study. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), a self-administered questionnaire, was distributed to the students. A total of 445 medical students completed the questionnaire. The average stress score was 19.61 (SD = 6.76) with a range from 10 to 43. Stress was experienced by 169 students (41.7%). The scores of female students were higher than scores of males, indicating a higher stress level (P = 0.011). The relationship between stress and academic year was insignificant (P = 0.392).

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 538-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalal Ibrahim Alfayez ◽  
Norah Ali AlShehri

Abstract Objective Due to the high prevalence of psychological distress among medical students and its related functional and cognitive implications, this study aimed to investigate the association between perceived stigma and psychological distress, estimate the prevalence of each level of distress among medical students, and determine the independent significant risk factors of outcome variables for each level of psychological distress. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed that surveyed medical students at King Saud University in 2018. Using the modified and validated stigma scale for receiving psychological help along with Kessler psychological distress scale, the survey measured perceived stigma towards mental illness in relation to the level of psychological distress. Results Among the 524 participants, 395 surveys were completed. Participants had a mean age of 21.56 years old, and 53% were female. The overall prevalence of severe psychological distress was 30.7% (N = 161). Furthermore, 25.6% of participants reported experiencing moderate distress (N = 134). Additionally, a significant association was found between females and severe psychological distress. Moreover, family income was significantly associated with severe psychological distress in the extreme lower and upper groups (5000–10,000 SR and above 20,000 SR). Participants with high levels of psychological distress were more likely than those with low levels to agree or strongly agree with 3 out of 10 items related to perceived stigma. Conclusions Medical students with moderate/severe psychological distress disclosed more concerns regarding stigma, particularly about perceived consequences of their mental health issues being revealed to others. Such opinions could cause physical health problems and decrease quality of life.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nazma Sultana

This cross-sectional descriptive type of study was conducted to explore the level of stress and depression and to find out the various socio-demographic, academic factors which act as barriers to study among undergraduate medical students of Bangladesh. The study was conducted at Dhaka Medical College during the period of April 2009 to June 2009. The students of 1st year to 5th year were the study population. A total of 425 students participated in the study. After taking proper approval from the concerned authority adopting convenient sampling technique data were collected through a self administered questionnaire with validated Kessler 10 psychological distress scale. The study revealed that only (1%) respondents were free from any sorts of psychological stress. Over one third (34.6%) had mild stress, (39.8%) moderate stress and about one fourth (24.9%) was suffering from severe stress according to Kessler 10 Psychological distress scale. A significant proportion of male respondents (73%) had moderate to severe psychological distress compared to the female respondents (56%) p<0.001. A significant higher proportion (56%) of those experiencing study pressure had moderate to severe stress as well (p<0.001). Having political affiliation, higher proportion of students (66%) reported no or mild stress. It is researcher’s opinion that politically affiliated students usually maintain good relationship with their teachers’ which help them to pass or they influence their teachers’ to bring result in their favor or teachers’ favor them to keep their position undisturbed. Lower proportion (34%) reported to have moderate to severe stress. The differences between politically affiliated and not politically affiliated groups are statistically significant p<0.001.This study demonstrates that factors which are responsible for students’ stress and depression are not similar in all countries. Sources of stress of our students’ should be checked out for the betterment of our students. The study recommended that need for intervention like social and psychological support to improve the quality of life of medical students. Students’ advisors should be provided who will train students about stress management. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjme.v2i1.18130 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Education Vol.2(1) 2011: 6-9


Author(s):  
Namrata R Vaishampayan ◽  
Indrajeet P Shah

Objective: The present study was done to assess if there is any association between Emotional intelligence (EI) & stress among medical students. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, information was gathered through a self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. It consisted of Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10 Questionnaire) & Schutte self-report EI test (SSEIT) to collect the information about stress levels and emotional intelligence respectively. Statistical test Chi-square was used and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. SPSS Version 23 was used for data analysis. Result: A total of 60 participants were assessed for Stress and EI. 11 (18.33%) students were found to be under severe stress. Majority (n=39, 65 %) of the students had high EI. Gender, type of stay (hostellers/day scholars) and stress levels were not found to be statistically significant with EI. Conclusion: Non -significant association between stress levels and EI was found hence other factors leading to stress in medical students should be investigated and studied. Keywords: Emotional intelligence, Medical students, Stress.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ala'a B. Al-Tammemi ◽  
Amal Akour ◽  
Laith Alfalah

Abstract Background Since the spread of COVID-19 on a global scale, most of efforts at the local, national, and international levels were directed primarily to mitigate the spread of the disease. However, the psychological impacts of COVID-19 on global mental health were not thoroughly investigated yet, and studies that report the mental health risks of COVID-19 are still scarce.Objectives This study aimed to assess the level of psychological distress among university students in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated national measures.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online self-administered questionnaire, The survey comprised of questions about (i) sociodemographic information, (ii) the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), (iii) coping activities , and (iv) the students’ greatest concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.Results A total of 381 completed questionnaires were included in the analysis. Female participants slightly predominated the sample (n=199, 52.2%). The respondents aged 18-38 years (mean 22.6 years, SD: 3.16). The total K10 distress scores had a mean of 34.2 (SD:9.4). However, the mean of total K10 distress scores had no significant association with gender (P=0.57). Age was negatively associated with total K10 distress score (P=0.0013). Concerning severity, most of respondents were regarded as having severe psychological distress (n=265, 69.5%), and females were found to have a statistically significant higher percentage in mild and severe psychological distress (P= 0.035), (P=0.016); respectively. 209 students (54.9%) reported that they had no motivation for distance learning. There was a statistically significant inverse relationship between severe psychological distress and motivation for distance learning (P<0.0001). The most common coping strategy among students was spending more time on social media (n=269, 70.6%). Besides, 49 students (12.9%) reported the use of medications to cope with COVID-10 related distress, and 209 students (54.9%) reported distance learning was their most serious concern.Conclusion The COVID-19 control measures resulted in a severe disruption of various human life activities, and this could impact the mental health of individuals, including students. A nationwide psychological support program should be incorporated into Jordan’s response strategy in combating the COVID-19, considering students and other vulnerable groups in Jordan.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khloud Al Dameery ◽  
Mohammed Quteshat ◽  
Ibtisam Al Harthy ◽  
Atika Khalaf

Abstract Background: Frequent surfing on the internet for self-diagnosis and treatment in association with quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic leaves people with uncertainty and psychological distress. The aim was to explore the relationship between cyberchondria, psychological distress, and uncertainty in Oman. Methods: A descriptive correlational study was designed. Data was collected through an online survey from 393 Omani participants using the short-form version of the Cyberchondria Severity Scale, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, and the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale. Descriptive and correlational analyses were conducted.Results: The majority of the participants were aged between 18-26 and 45-54 years (32.8% and 30.8% respectively). Almost three-quarters of the participants were female (n= 291, 74%) and half were single (n= 218, 55.5%). No significant associations were found between cyberchondria and the socio-demographic factors or the COVID-19 status. However, significant positive fair correlation was found between cyberchondriac experiences and psychological distress (rs =0.373), and cyberchondria and uncertainty (rs = 0.442).Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind investigating the relationship between cyberchondria, physiological distress, and uncertainty in the Omani population. Policy makers and stakeholders are encouraged to facilitate the reporting and observation of accurate and up-to-date information distributed to the population to avoid misleading information, and thus reduce the distress and uncertainty related to cyberchondriac behaviors.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-156
Author(s):  
Juslina Omar ◽  
Azreen Friddy ◽  
Anne Tasha Serun ◽  
Hemma B. Rayandran ◽  
Julie Reeni Remash ◽  
...  

The Malaysian Government has announced the Movement Control Order (MCO) starting 18th March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. This study attempts to assess the level of psychological distress among parents of university students stranded on campus and out campus during MCO; and to identify the stressors causing psychological distress among parents. It is a cross sectional study using an online self-administered questionnaire done at a public university in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Psychological distress was determined by using Kessler’s Psychological Distress Scale (K10). The study has shown significant associations between parents’ psychological distress with three stressors which consist of worrying about their child’s food supply, child’s future, and child’s mental health.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 729-736 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anabela Pereira ◽  
Carla Andreia Oliveira ◽  
Ana Bártolo ◽  
Sara Monteiro ◽  
Paula Vagos ◽  
...  

Abstract The 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) has been presented as a valid measure to assess psychological distress levels in population surveys but its dimensional structure was not consensual. Our main objective was to provide a Portuguese version of the K10 exploring the reliability and factor structure of this measure. This cross-sectional study included 694 adults collected from a web-based survey and in training entities. Results showed that 37.9% of the individuals reported significant distress symptoms. A good internal consistency of the K10 scale (α=.91) and strong inter-item correlation (ranges from .350 to .659) were found in our study but the original one-dimensional structure was not confirmed. A two-factor model considering anxiety and depression as two latent, independent but correlated factors shows a good fit with the data even across two data collection methods. The K10 tool was sensitive to sociodemographic variables. Participants aged 40 or over and belonging to the general working class presented higher distress levels. Our data indicates the Portuguese version of K10 as a reliable tool with a factor structure to assess psychological distress.


2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 374-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naoki Nakaya ◽  
Tomohiro Nakamura ◽  
Naho Tsuchiya ◽  
Ichiro Tsuji ◽  
Atsushi Hozawa ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectivePhysical disease patients are known to experience high levels of psychological distress. This study examined the association between the medical treatment of physical diseases and psychological distress in the coastal area affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.MethodsUsing cross-sectional data, we studied 3032 individuals aged ≥40 years who lived in Shichigahama, Miyagi, Japan. We examined the associations between 8 medical treatments for physical diseases and psychological distress, defined as Kessler Psychological Distress scale score ≥13 of 24 points. To investigate the associations, we performed multiple logistic regression analyses.ResultsThere were statistically significant associations between psychological distress and medical treatments for myocardial infarction/angina pectoris (odds ratio [OR]=1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.0-3.0) and liver disease (OR=3.1, 95% CI=1.0-7.7). The other 4 medical treatments for physical diseases had ORs of 1.3 or higher and were positively associated with psychological distress: cancer, hyperlipidemia, kidney disease, and diabetes mellitus. The degree of damage to homes did not affect the association between most of the medical treatments for physical diseases and psychological distress.ConclusionsIn the disaster area, most of the medical treatments for physical diseases had positive associations with psychological distress, irrespective of the degree of damage to homes. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:374–381)


Author(s):  
Ruqia Safdar Bajwa ◽  
Kiran Firdous ◽  
Iram Batool ◽  
Muhammad Imad Ullah

This study was designed to estimate the relationship of peer victimization, psychological distress and self-esteem among teenagers. The sample consisted of 233 teenager’s age range from 11 to 20 years. Data was collected from Kot Addu and Multan District. Convenient Sampling method was used to collect the data. Illinois Bully scale developed by (Espelage, D. L. & Holt, 2001) consisted of 18 items was used to check the rate of Peer Victimization. A 20 item state Self Esteem scale developed by (Heatherton, T. F. & Polivy, 1991) was taken to check the level of self-esteem among teenagers. Another 10 item Kessler psychological Distress scale (K10) developed by (Kessler & Mroczek, 1992) was used to check the level of distress among teenagers. The results were analyzed through SPSS. The findings of the study show that peer victimization leads to psychological distress and victimized teenagers have low level of self-esteem. It was also found that rate of peer victimization is high among school going teenagers as compared to college or university. Result further exposed that there is no significance difference in peer victimization on the basis of demographic variables like age group, gender, parent’s qualification, no of siblings and family system.


Author(s):  
Alia Naaz ◽  
◽  
Mohammad Saad ◽  

Introduction: Stress and anxiety have been a common topic of discussion among the medicalstudents in normal circumstances owing to the burden of immense studies, clinical rotations, regularexams and assessments. Material and methods: A cross sectional study consisting of 330 medicalstudents studying in various medical colleges in various states like Himachal, Karnataka, Haryana,Rajasthan, Bihar, Punjab, Delhi etc. was conducted using online forms that were shared in variousWhatsApp college groups. The questionnaire was a simple 10 question form consisting of theKessler's psychological distress scale questions. The stress levels were defined according to theKessler's psychological distress scale k10. Results: The results of the study showed that 72.5% oftotal participants suffered from mild to moderate levels of stress with 20.6% students suffering frommild stress, 15.5% from moderate stress and significant 36.4% from severe stress. Similarly,various socio-demographic determinants have also been studied for any relation to these high stresslevels. The treatment seeking behaviour among medical students also reflected poorly when it cameto seeking help from health professionals. Conclusion: It was found that during the covid-19lockdown, medical students suffered from severe stress levels which is a topic of concern for theauthorities and calls for a timely intervention to control the situation. The treatment seekingbehaviour is also a topic of concern as medical students being most exposed to the knowledge ofmental health do not themselves prefer to take treatment from a health professional.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document