Stress faced by medical students – a outlook on prevalence of burnout amongst medical students and their ways of stress coping

Abstract

Background: Medical education is recognized as one of the most stressful fields of study, exposing students to significant mental and physical challenges. The high prevalence of burnout among medical students has been attributed to demanding curricula, rigorous examinations, and other external stressors. Burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal achievement, can adversely impact students' academic performance and overall well-being. Addressing burnout and understanding stress-coping mechanisms are essential to support medical students' mental health. Methods and Materials: A descriptive study was conducted among 72 international medical students at Kursk State Medical University (KSMU). Participants, spanning from the first to sixth year, completed an anonymous online survey comprising 45 closed-ended questions. The survey included demographic data, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) to measure burnout dimensions, and the Brief-COPE questionnaire to assess coping mechanisms. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the levels of burnout and coping strategies adopted by students. Results: The findings revealed that medical students experienced moderate levels of burnout, with emotional exhaustion being the most prominent component. While depersonalization was relatively low, students exhibited significant emotional stress without losing interest in their studies. The majority of participants adopted adaptive coping mechanisms such as problem-focused coping (e.g., seeking solutions and advice) and emotion-focused coping (e.g., venting, humor, and spirituality). Maladaptive coping strategies, such as self-blame and self-distraction, were observed but less prevalent. Academic workload was identified as the primary stressor, followed by financial constraints and relationship challenges. Conclusion: The study highlights moderate burnout levels among international medical students, emphasizing the importance of effective stress management strategies. Adaptive coping mechanisms were preferred over maladaptive ones, reflecting students' resilience. Targeted interventions, such as counseling programs and stress management training, are recommended to further support medical students' mental health and academic success.