Predictors and coping strategies for stress, anxiety and depression among medical undergraduates and postgraduates in Puducherry

Abstract

Background: Higher proportion of medical students experience stress, anxiety and depression than compared to general population in Indian settings which are often underdiagnosed. This study aim was to assess the frequency, predictors and coping strategies of stress, anxiety and depression among the medical undergraduates and postgraduates of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methods: Questionnaire based online cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 medical undergraduates and post graduate students from June to July, 2021. Sociodemographic profile, questions from the depression, anxiety, stress scale-4 and details of coping strategies were collected. The data were analysed using SPSS 21.0 Descriptive statistics, Chi square test and Multinomial logistic regression analysis were used. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the participants was 21.5±3.1 years. Majority (63.1%) belonged to upper middle class. 92.3% joined the medical course with personal interest. The frequency of severe depression, anxiety and stress was 22.4%, 16.2% and 18% respectively. The frequency of extremely severe depression, anxiety and stress was 16.4%, 23.2% and 9% respectively. Acceptance, self-distraction and positive reframing were commonly followed coping strategies. Substance abuse and behavioural disengagement were the least followed. Significant association was observed between Emotion focused and avoidant coping with depression, anxiety and stress. Conclusions: Higher frequency of depression (47.1%), anxiety (52.9%), and stress (38%), was observed among the students. Acceptance, positive reframing and self-distraction were commonly used coping strategies. Significant association seen with depression, anxiety and stress with emotion- focused and avoidant coping strategies.