Academic Anxiety among Medical Students in College of Medicine at Northern Border University

Abstract

Objectives: Younger adulthood is defined as an identity-forming period in which people experience changes in their physical and social selves as well as related to behavior, emotion, socioeconomic status and education. It is proposed that medical students have anxiety associated with the illnesses they are learning about, known as medical student syndrome. In Saudi Arabia's Medical College, Northern Border University, understanding the significant difference in anxiety status based on gender or academic level variables is critical for effective management. This study aimed to examine the occurrence and some of the factors that contribute to anxiety among medical students at the Northern Border University in Arar, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional design among 305 participants of medical students in the College of Medicine, Northern Border University, was employed, utilizing convenience sampling. Data were collected through an online questionnaire. Results: The findings revealed the most frequent symptoms in the "low" category are numbness or tingling, indigestion, flushed face and lightheadedness with 251, 229, 229 and 228, respectively, with a percent of 82.30%. The overall anxiety levels among students, with the majority experiencing low anxiety (200, 65.57%). Notably, anxiety is common across genders; mild levels seem to be more prevalent in males overall. In addition, 4.5-5 GPA students have the highest percentage of low anxiety. Conclusion: The study highlights the multifaceted nature of anxiety, which, though mild for most, can severely impact a vulnerable subset of students. The correlation of anxiety with multiple demographic and academic factors underscores the necessity for nuanced interventions.