Psychological Help-Seeking Among Undergraduate Medical Students

Abstract

Abstract. Background: Stress among medical students requires careful attention and support to help them overcome it and avoid untoward consequences. Identifying the students’ attitudes and limitations in approaching professional counseling services would help provide targeted solutions and formulate personalized counseling plans. Objective: To compare the perceived needs, benefits, and barriers experienced by medical undergraduate students for availing professional counseling services based on prior counseling exposure, year of medical education, and gender. Methodology: This cross-sectional research included 239 students, aged 17–23 years, studying in the first and final years of undergraduate medical training. Their attitudes, perceived benefits, and barriers to approaching counseling were assessed using the Counseling Need Assessment Questionnaire (CNAQ). Differences in these parameters were compared among the students based on their gender, prior counseling exposure, and year of medical education. Statistical analysis was done using χ2 test and Goodman–Kruskal analysis, and p value < .05 indicated statistical significance. Results: Fifty-one percentage of the students accepted the need for counseling, but 44% expressed hesitation in approaching a professional counselor. No significant gender differences were noted in counseling-related attitudes, barriers, or perceived benefits ( p > .05). However, students with prior exposure to counseling and those in their first year of study were significantly more oriented to seek counseling ( p < .01), but more reluctant too in availing professional help ( p < .05). Conclusion: Students with prior exposure and first-year students were more open to expressing the need for counseling; however, first-year students were more hesitant for availing the same.