IJCM_343A: Mindful Beginnings: Evaluating the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Mental Health and Academic Performance in First-Year Medical Students- A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: The demanding nature of medical education poses unique challenges to the mental health and academic performance of first-year medical students. The transition into the rigorous medical curriculum, coupled with the high-stakes environment of healthcare, often leads to increased stress levels and potential negative impacts on well-being. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has emerged as a promising intervention to address these challenges. Objective: To evaluate the effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on the Mental health and Academic performance of first-year medical students in a teaching medical institute by randomized controlled trial (RCT) Methodology: An RCT was conducted from May 2023 to July 2023, involving first-year medical students in a self-financing medical college. A total of 227 students participated, randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which underwent an eight-week MBSR program incorporating mindfulness meditation and stress reduction techniques, or the control group, receiving conventional medical education without mindfulness training. Data collection for both pre-and post-tests utilized a comprehensive questionnaire-based interview, incorporating validated instruments such as the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). The collected data will be analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive and Inferential statistics will be applied to compare outcomes between the intervention and control groups, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 227 students participated, with 110 in the control arm and 117 in the intervention arm. Further data analysis is currently in progress and will be presented during the upcoming presentation. Conclusion: Stress is prevalent in medical students and has adverse effects on students mental health. Mindfulness practice has wide-ranging positive effects and would be beneficial as a stress reduction and preventative mental health intervention.