ASSESSMENT OF STRESS AMONG SECOND YEAR STUDENTS AT MICHAEL CHILUFYA SATA SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Introduction: Being in medical school has always been considered to be an extremely stressful academic journey. Excessive stress causes physical and mental health problems. Persistent stress can impair students’ academic achievement and personal or professional development. The aim of this study is to explore the levels of stress among medical students by determining the prevalence and other factors associated with it. Considering the fact that it is impossible to eliminate stress from medical training, the other goal of the study is to figure out student friendly strategies which can be used to alleviate the high stress levels. The prevalence of stress among the second year medical students will be calculated. Methods: A cross-sectional study design will be used, utilizing a validated questionnaire, the ‘Medical Student Stressor Questionnaire (MSSQ)’, to evaluate stress levels and stressors. School and ethical committee clearance is to be obtained prior to the study. Data will be analysed using SPSS version 12. 201 medical students will be administered with the questionnaires. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 23(1) January, 2021; 1-8.