Comparison of the psychological health of first and second year undergraduate students in GMU: identification of stressors and coping strategies adopted

ABSTRACT

Undergraduate students in health-related professions can be under considerable stress. Assessing the psychological health of the students, stressors and coping strategies adopted can help to plan appropriate interventions. To assess the prevalence of psychological morbidity among the first and second year undergraduate students at GMU, identify the causes of stress and the coping strategies adopted by them. A questionnaire-based survey was carried out among 238 first and second year students in GMU in January 2011. Psychological health was assessed using the 12 item General Health Questionnaire. A 22-item questionnaire was used to identify stressors and the Brief Cope inventory was used to study coping strategies. Response rate was 89%. Prevalence of psychological morbidity was 34% and 32% in the first year and second year respectively. Stress score was found to be significantly associated with psychological morbidity. Major causes of stress for first and second year students were 'worries regarding future' and 'high parental expectations'. Other causes were 'lack of recreation', frequency of examinations' and anxiety. Major coping strategies adopted were praying, planning and emotional support. One in three students in the first two years of undergraduate studies at GMU has psychological morbidity. Causes of stress are very similar between the first and second year students. Worries about the future and high parental expectations are major causes along with academic concerns. Anxiety and sleep problems are also common. Stress scores were significantly associated with psychological morbidity. In the first year, academics-related stress and in the second year psychological and health-related stresses were associated with psychological morbidity. Though the majority of the students are using positive coping strategies, a significant number have given up coping, are blaming themselves, or venting their negative feelings