ABSTRACT
Introduction: Presence of stress among medical students is well known but there are very few studies that objectively prove it. This study aims to assess stresssubjectively and objectively in first year medical students by a) GHQ (General Health Questionnaire) scoring system b) measuring the biochemical parameters: serum cortisol and IgA(Immunoglobulin A). Materials and Methods: 75 students were included in the present study. Estimation of serum cortisol and Immunoglobulin A at the end of first month (time 1) and sixth month (time 2) were done by using autoanalyzers. GHQ scoring and assessment was also made at the end of the first month (time 1) and sixth month (time 2) of the first year. Results: GHQ scoring and serum cortisol for stress had significantly increased at time 2 when compared to time1. IgA levels were significantly decreased at time 2 when compared to time 1. All were found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: The study showed that first year medical course to be stressful by both subjective and objective parameters. It calls for measures to reduce stress in health professional’s education, in a process to improvise it.