Abstract

Background:
Increased incidences of psychological disorders have become an important health problem in the world. Stress may impair cognitive functioning and learning of a student. In future life it may lead one to burnout and suicidal ideation. It also has an impact on various aspects of physical health. It is undeniable that life of a medical student studying MBBS is stressful hence proper stress ameliorative measures may be implemented to produce stress free holistic confident practitioners.

Aim:
To study the impact of stress with blood pressure and Lipid profile of first year medical students.

Methods and Material:
The study was single point cross sectional, conducted on first year MBBS student after taking approval of institutional ethical committee. Eighty-four students were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria after taking due consent. Stress levels were assessed using DASS questionnaire. Lipid profile of selected students was done and blood pressure measurements were taken with mercury sphygmomanometer.

Results:
The findings of the various parameters were statistically analysed according to percentage, Chi- square test and p-value. In this study a statistically significant (As P value < 0.05) association was found in case of students who were moderate to severely stressed to their corresponding diastolic and systolic blood pressure values. However no significant association was found between the stress level and their corresponding serum LDL values.

Conclusion:
The study concludes that stress amongst first year MBBS students is highly significant which not only affects their academic achievements but also other aspects of health like hypertension and dyslipidaemia.

Key words: Stress, Lipid profile, Blood pressure, DASS questionnaire