Difference of Psychological Distress among First- and Third-year Indonesian Medical Students

Cut Rika Pratiwi; Bahagia Loebis; Vita Camellia; Elmeida Effendy

doi:10.3889/oamjms.2022.9251

Authors

Cut Rika Pratiwi Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
Bahagia Loebis Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
Vita Camellia Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
Elmeida Effendy Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2022.9251

Keywords:

Psychological distress, Anxiety, Students, University

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Psychological distress is an emotional response characterized by various psychological symptoms, including depression and anxiety. Among medical students, psychological distress may derive from surrounding environment. Adaptability in learning new things, competitive situation, social issues, educational demands, fatigue, lack of support, as well as insufficient resting time are known contributing factors to the occurrence of psychological distress. It has been known that psychological distress is common among medical students.

AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate the difference of psychological distress symptoms score among medical students in the 1st- and 3rd-year groups.

METHODS: This cross-sectional analytical study is a numerical comparative analysis involving 1st- and 3rd-year medical students of Universitas Sumatera Utara. 10 item Kessler Psychological Distress (K-10) questionnaire was used to assess psychological distress symptoms score. Comparison of psychological distress scores between first and third year medical students was carried out using independent t-test or Mann–Whitney.

RESULTS: Significant difference of psychological distress scores was found between the groups (p < 0.0010).

CONCLUSION: We found that 1st-year medical students exhibited more profound psychological distress compared to those in third year.

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