ABSTRACT
Introduction: Mental health among medical students is an area that has been increasingly garnering world-wide attention. Yet, despite this increased attention, research related to anxiety disorders in Saudi Arabia remain limited. This study aims to address this gap by assessing the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as explore its association with students' sociodemographic factors and academic performance among medical students in a Saudi Arabian institute that has a diverse, multicultural student body. Methods: The study takes place in a unique educational environment: a privately funded institute in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, with 32% of its student body comprising international students from over 40 countries, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study deploys the use of a survey that was sent to the students at this institute via their institutional emails. A survey containing 33 items assessing demographics, GAD using GAD-7 questionnaire, stress-relief measures, online learning experience during the pandemic, mental disorders, anxiety associated with the pandemic, two open-ended questions, and one item assessing sleep difficulty. Results: The results of the survey showed that a significant majority of the responders' scores in the GAD-7 assessment were in the range of moderate to severe anxiety. The results also suggest that low cGPA and the first academic years are significantly associated with higher GAD-7 scores. Students found severe time constraints, difficult educational content, and lack of psychological support to be major sources of stress. Furthermore, students suggested providing an in-house psychologist, personalized feedback, and guidance on study tactics as methods to reduce anxiety. Conclusion: These findings, among others, suggest a need for further studies and research in this field to uncover broader patterns and inform targeted mental health support strategies.
ABSTRACT
Medical education continually adapts to the needs of future health care professionals, with student motivation in research being a pivotal aspect. This study at Alfaisal University aimed to explore the motivations, benefits, and challenges faced by medical students in extracurricular research activities. Using a mixed-method approach, we combined quantitative surveys with qualitative group interviews. Findings revealed that both extrinsic (e.g., enhancing postgraduate training prospects) and intrinsic (e.g., personal interest and skill refinement) factors significantly motivate students to be involved in research activities. Participants unanimously acknowledged skill enhancement, particularly in literature comprehension, creative ideation, and networking. However, challenges such as conflicts with course scheduling, lack of hands-on experiences, and mentorship issues were identified as potential barriers to research participation. Addressing these barriers and understanding motivations can inform the design of research programs, enhancing the overall student research experience. This study underscores the importance of research in medical education, emphasizing the need for institutions to prioritize addressing challenges and leveraging benefits to prepare medical students for a research-integrated clinical future.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This article examines the motivating factors and obstacles of extracurricular research in Alfaisal University, Saudi Arabia. The study utilizes a mixed methodology of online surveys and in-person group interviews to gain insights from the medical students of the university. We revealed several extrinsic and intrinsic motivators that drove the students; however, there remain several challenges to students during their research journey. Addressing these challenges will help the students obtain a more fruitful, educational research experience.