Gender Correlation of Stress in Mbbs Students in Relation to Covid 19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective: Since December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a substantial threat with its associated high mortality, infection, and risk of psychological stress. A large number of students were affected because of a prolonged break from academic activities and staying at home. The focus of this study is to understand the stress levels of M.B.B.S. students, any psychological imbalances, and their major hurdles during the COVID-19 lockdown. Methods: The study was designed to determine the prevalence of stress levels in 150 medical students to explore the sources of stress, 64 were male students and 86 were female students & it ‘s relationship across the male and female students. Demographic information and Qualitative data from investigator tailored Medical Student Stress Questionnaire (MSSQ) by self-rating under supervision of investigators were subjected to analysis. Results: We observed that medical students were generally stressed during lockdown and the pandemic. Stress perceived was more in males’ students 49/64(76.5%) as compared to females 51/86(59.3%) and their MSSQ index score was significantly different. Moderate to high academic stress was present among 79% of students more so in males with the academic domain score significantly different from that of females. Females perceived more stress in inter personal domain (12.7%) with the score significantly different from males. Group and Teaching stress was equally present in males and females. Conclusion: During the pandemic, students’ mental health needs to be continually monitored as they are stressed owing to fear as well as about their studies and future careers.