Prevalence and Predictors of Perceived Stress: A Study among Medical Students of Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Nigeria

Aims: To determine the prevalence and predictors of perceived stress among medical students of Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Nigeria.

Study Design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Nigeria between February and March 2018.

Methodology: All medical students of Ebonyi State University Abakaliki who have spent at least one full academic session in the university were included in the study. Information was obtained using a validated questionnaire which was self-administered. The Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, (PSS-10) was used to determine the prevalence of stress. Chi square test of statistical significance and multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression were used in the analysis and the level of statistical significance was determined by a p value of <0.05.

Results: A total of 385 medical students participated in the study representing a response rate of 83.7%. The mean age of respondents was 23.2±3.4 years and majority, 64.2% were males. The mean perceived stress scale score was 19.8±5.9. The prevalence of high stress among the students was 51.9%. The fifth level class had the highest proportion of students who were stressed, (58.2%). Predictors of perceived high stress among the students included being a male student, (AOR= 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4- 0.9), being satisfied with medical training, (AOR= 0.6, 95% CI: 0.3- 0.8) and willingness to study Medicine again, (AOR= 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3- 0.8).

Conclusion: The prevalence of high stress among the students was high. There is the need to appropriately manage stress in the medical school especially among the female students. Also, ensuring the satisfaction of medical students with their training though subjective will be of immense benefit. The inner resolve of the students to become medical doctors may be the most important factor in the pursuit of their career.