RESUMO
The objective of this study was to investigate any differences between female undergraduate medical and non-medical students for: 1] prevalence and causes of perceived academic stress, and 2] changes in physical, mental, psychological and emotional health as well as life-style since starting college studies. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Dammam University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia, in January 2008. All 319 pre-clinical female medical students were included in the study and 297 non-medical students from the College of Applied Studies and Community Services [CASCS] were selected by stratified random sampling. The study instrument was a questionnaire on the "Influence of Studying on Students' Health". More medical students [48.6%] reported being frequently stressed due to studies than CASCS students [38.7%, P <0.01]. Unsuitable teaching methods, an unsatisfactory study environment, and fear of failure in examinations were more frequently mentioned by medical than non-medical students [P <0.05]. While underlying social problems were significantly more common in medical students, economic problems were more prevalent among CASCS students [P <0.05, P <0.05]. More medical than non-medical students reported a worse status of physical and mental health, anxiety and depression and negative life-style changes since initiation of the college programme. Medical students were at higher risk of physical and mental health problems than non-medical students due to academic stress. Since a substantial proportion of CASCS students also experienced academic stress, we recommend that a student support committee be established for both colleges to provide counselling and guidance in healthy ways to cope with stress