An analytical cross-sectional study on the association between weight changes and stress levels among first to fourth year medical students of a private medical school from A.Y. 2023-2024
- Author:
Sabrina Rae Aquino
1
;
Roy Benedict Arceo
1
;
Shannele Adrielle Ariz
1
;
Zarina Mae Aves
1
;
Christhon Marc Cocjin
1
;
Michaela Crisostomo
1
;
Kimberly Joyce Cruz
1
;
Ron Jay Cuaresma
1
;
Jennifer M. Nailes
1
;
Kim Elizabeth Ong
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: Stress levels
- MeSH: Weight Gain; Weight Loss; Students, Medical
- From: Health Sciences Journal 2023;12(2):123-132
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction:The demanding nature of medical school causes students to experience stress, anxiety,
and depressive episodes that may cause students to gain or lose weight. This study aimed to determine
the association of weight changes and stress levels among a private medical school students.
Methods:Data were collected two times with an interval of 30 days through on-site measurement of the students’ anthropometrics using a stadiometer and utilization of online survey questionnaires accessed via QR code. Demographics and disease states were identified in the first round of data collection while the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) and identification of stressors was integrated in the second round of data collection.
Results:Among the 212 individuals, 69.8% were categorized into having perceived moderate stress levels, 22.2% with high stress, and 8% with low stress. Of the 212 cases, 86 gained weight, 91 lost weight, and 35 had no change in weight. Fear of failure, poor motivation, and difficulty understanding lectures are among the top overall stressors. The study noted that there is a moderate association between stress and weight changes but it is not enough to reach statistical significance (0.161), as the sample size was not reached. The study revealed that the prevailing diseases were Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Hypothyroidism, and Hypertension, which have varying degrees of impact on weight change.
Conclusion:There is an association between weight changes and stress levels among first to fourth year medical students of a private medical school from A.Y. 2023-2024. - Full text:UERM An analytical cross.pdf
