PREVALENCE AND SOURCES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS OF AYUB MEDICAL COLLEGE, ABBOTTABAD

Abstract

Background: Psychological distress can adversely affect both physical and emotional well-being and may arise when an individual’s ability to cope with stress is exceeded. Medical students are exposed to multiple academic and personal stressors that may contribute to psychological distress. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of psychological distress and identify major sources of stress among undergraduate medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 326 MBBS students from first to final year at Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad, of whom 202 responded to the questionnaire. Students were selected through convenience sampling. Psychological distress was assessed using the standardized Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), while sources of stress were identified using the Medical Students Stressor Questionnaire (MSSQ). Results: The overall prevalence of psychological distress was 60.5%. Psychological distress was significantly higher among females than males (74.2% vs. 46.4%; p<0.001). It was also significantly higher among students in clinical years compared with those in non-clinical years (p=0.032) and among hostel residents compared with students living at home (p=0.019). Major sources of stress included poor academic scores, tests and examinations, lack of time for revision, heavy workload, poor motivation to learn, large amounts of content to be covered, and falling behind the reading schedule. Conclusion: Psychological distress was highly prevalent among undergraduate medical students at Ayub Medical College, affecting more than half of the participants.

Pak J Physiol 2026;22(3):161–4, DOI: https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v22i3.1967