Perceived stress among male medical students in Egypt and Saudi Arabia: a cross-culture comparison

ABSTRACT

In recent years there has been a growing appreciation of the issues of stresses among medical students as this may affect their learning and academic performance. However, such studies are scarce in Arab countries, to determine if there is a difference in the perceived stress levels of male medical students in Mansoura University, Egypt and King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia. The sample consisted of 304 and 284 male medical students in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, respectively. Study tool is a self-reported questionnaire covering sociodemographics and four categories, including 15 items, of sources of stress [stressors]. Perceived stress scale [PSS] and Hospital anxiety and depression [HAD] scale were used to measure stress, anxiety and depression there is no significant difference between the two groups regarding number of stressors. However, Egyptian students were more likely to cite relationship, academic and environmental problems than Saudis. Prevalence of high stress level was nearly equal in both groups. However, anxiety and depression are significantly higher among Egyptian than Saudi students. Logistic regression analysis of independent predictors of severe degree of stress among both groups combined revealed that satisfactory family income and highly educated father are independent protective factors. The independent risky predictors are anxiety and number of stressors. stress, anxiety and depression are frequent among medical students, especially the Egyptian. Counseling and preventive mental health services should be an integral part of the routine clinical services caring for medical students