Prevalence of academic stress in medical students at the University of Buenos Aires

Abstract

Introduction: This study addresses the pervasive issue of academic stress among medical students at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), shedding light on a critical aspect of student well-being. Materials and methods: Employing a prospective, cross-sectional methodology, a diverse cohort of 617 medical students participates, representing various courses. The research aimed to determine the prevalence of academic stress and investigate potential sociodemographic influences. Results: Results revealed an alarming prevalence of academic stress, with 98.4 % of participants experiencing varying degrees. Specifically, 7.2 % exhibited mild stress, 73.1 % reporters moderate stress, and 19.6 % indicated profound levels of stress. The study identified significant associations between academic stress and sociodemographic factors, highlighting the influence of gender and place of origin. Notably, female students exhibited a high susceptibility to both moderate and profound academic stress, with odd ratio of 5.97 and 8.34, respectively. Additionally, foreign students, particularly those from non-Spanish-speaking countries, demonstrated a notably heightened risk of experiencing profound stress (OR=13). Conclusion: This research underscores the critical need for targeting interventions and support mechanisms to address the persuasive issue of academic stress in medical education. Implementing strategies tailored to specific demographic groups, particularly female and foreign students, is paramount in fostering a conducive learning environment.