Abstract
ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and patterns of beta-blocker usage among medical students. Reasons for the use and demographic factors influencing their consumption were also evaluated.MethodsThis was an observational cross-sectional study among medical students at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS) Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Medical students were surveyed between February and April of 2019 using an electronic self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire had close-ended questions, 18 of which were about demographics and 17 about propranolol use.ResultsA total of 234 medical students participated in the study, of whom 14.5% (95% CI: 10.44-19.49) reported using propranolol. Fifth-year medical students comprised 50% of propranolol users. The prevalence of males using propranolol was lower compared to females. The most common reasons for using propranolol were anxiety relief and performance enhancement before the objective structured clinical exams (OSCEs; 70.6%) and before oral presentations (38.2%).ConclusionThe prevalence of propranolol use among medical students in KSAU-HS Jeddah was low compared to other studies, with the highest reported use among fifth-year medical students. The main reasons for using propranolol were anxiety relief during OSCEs and performance enhancement for presentations. Efforts must be directed towards raising medical students' awareness of the risks of inappropriate beta-blocker use to decrease its use and avoid potential adverse effects of the medication.
Highlights
Medical students are prone to stress and burnout due to increasing academic demands, financial struggles, and social issues [1,2]
A total of 234 medical students participated in the study, of whom 14.5% reported using propranolol
The most common frequency of propranolol use was monthly in 19 participants (55.9%), daily in five (14.7%), rarely in six (17.6%), and as needed in four (11.8%)
Summary
Medical students are prone to stress and burnout due to increasing academic demands, financial struggles, and social issues [1,2]. These factors can affect academic performance negatively, leading to more distress [3]. Current literature demonstrates that there are higher rates of psychological stressors among medical students compared to the general population [4]. A study in Lithuania found that symptoms of anxiety were prevalent in 43% of medical students [5]. A meta-analysis conducted by Rotenstein et al reported a prevalence of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation of 27.2% and 11.1%, respectively [6]. In a cross-sectional survey among senior medical students in New York, 71% of students met the criteria for burnout [7]
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