Prevalence of Alexithymia and the influencing factors among medical students at Umm Al-Qura University: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Alexithymia is inability of the person to describe his emotions, somatic sensations, and struggle to discuss feelings. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of the state of alexithymia among undergraduate medical students and to explore its potential risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done through online survey targeted to undergraduate medical students. The survey included the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), students' socio-demographics, and the potential risk factors for alexithymia. Results: A total of 317 students participated in the study. A 56.5% prevalence of alexithymia among participants was demonstrated. A binary logistic regression model revealed higher risk of alexithymia among students with female gender (OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.47-3.65; p <0.001), divorced parents (OR: 3.23, 95% CI: 1.43-7.32; p = 0.005), history of psychiatric illness (OR: 3.40, 955 CI: 1.51-7.67; p = 0.003), and history of childhood emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse (OR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.42-4.29; p=0.001). A lower risk for alexithymia was demonstrated among students with higher grade point average (OR: 0.32, CI: 0.04-0.93; P = 0.035). There was no association between alexithymia and students' academic year of study. Conclusions: The current study revealed high alexithymia prevalence among undergraduate medical students. The condition is linked with female gender, divorced parents, history of psychiatric illness, and childhood abuse, and is associated with lower academic performance. Accordingly, for prevention and proper intervention of alexithymia among medical students, students' screening for the condition and ease of their access to psychiatric care is recommended.