Background: Although many studies have reported elevated levels of stress and psychological morbidity among medical students, there is lack of research on domains of stress, their intensity and coping measures used by medical college students. Addressing stress in the 1st year is important as this a distinct period in a students lifetime; any intervention done now proves highly beneficial.
Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study is to find the domains and measure the intensity of stressors prevalent in medical students and study various coping strategies used to overcome them.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, self-administered questionnaire study was conducted using pre-designed, pre-tested standard questionnaires. Results: Academic and group activity-related stressors were the most common stress causing factors experienced by the 1st year students. Planning, positive reframing, and active coping are most commonly used coping strategies.
Conclusions: Various interventional programs can be initiated during the 5-year course of study which reiterates the use of coping strategies, teach the students techniques to effectively balance academic, personal and social demands, and improve their emotional intelligence.
Key words: Stressor; Coping; Intervention
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