Stress and Coping Strategies of Students in a Medical Faculty in Malaysia
- Author:
Sami Abdo Radman Al-Dubai
;
Redhwan Ahmed Al-Naggar
;
Mustafa Ahmed Alshagga
;
Krishna Gopal Rampal
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
coping skills, Malaysia, medical school, social support, stress, students
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
2011;18(3):57-64
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background: Stress may affect students’ health and their academic performance. Coping
strategies are specific efforts that individuals employ to manage stress. This study aimed to assess
the perception of stress among medical students and their coping strategies.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 376 medical and medical sciences
undergraduates in Management and Science University in Malaysia. Stress was assessed by a global
rating of stress. Sources of stress were assessed using a 17-item questionnaire. The validated Brief
COPE inventory was used to assess coping strategies.
Results: The majority of respondents were females (64.4%), aged 21 years or older (63.0%),
and were Malays (68.9%). Forty-six percent felt stress. The most common stressor was worries of
the future (71.0%), followed by financial difficulties (68.6%). Significant predictors of stress were
smoking (OR = 2.9 , 95% CI 1.3–6.8, P = 0.009), worries of the future (OR = 2.1 , 95% CI 1.3–3.4,
P = 0.005), self-blame (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.5, P = 0.001), lack of emotional support (OR = 0.8, 95%
CI 0.7–0.9, P = 0.017), and lack of acceptance (OR = 0.8, 95% CI 0.6–0.9, P = 0.010). Students used
active coping, religious coping reframing, planning, and acceptance to cope with stress.
Conclusion: Stressors reported by the students were mainly financial and academic
issues. Students adopted active coping strategies rather than avoidance. Students should receive
consultation on how to manage and cope with stress.
- Full text:W020151022585425342613.pdf
