An assessment of stress among clinical medical students of the University of the West Indies

ABSTRACT

This study attempted to look at the sources of stress among the clinical medical students of the University of the West Indies at Mona campus. Students of the classes 1993 through 1995 were asked to fill out a questionnaire which had been developed for a similar study at the University of Texas in 1993. The return rate was 68.2 percent. The results were compared for differences between males and females and between the different year groups. The two most stressful items were rated the same by men and women; i.e., 1) the amount of material to be learned, and 2) examinations and/or grades. The top eight stressors though rated differently, were the same for both groups. It is hoped that the findings of this study will be the basis for discussion about whether the identified stressors are inherent and necessary to the medical training experience and if so, how students can be better prepared to cope with them. (AU)