Perception of stressors on medical students in the first semester, their parents and teachers

Abstract

Introduction: Medical student may be subjected to high levels of daily stress, which can result in a number of mental disorders. We investigate the perception of first semester students of Medicine, their parents and teachers, on the stressors in their daily lives.

Method: A questionnaire was designed and validated by experts and with this self-assessment questionnaire several students, professors of medicine and parents were interviewed, and data triangulated. As a qualitative research  methodology, systematic “Grounded Theory” was chosen; reaching saturation of categories, and text was then coded and categorized (open coding).

Result: Most respondents, both students, parents and teachers, think that high level stress occurs in case one do not have organized learning habits including time management, selfdiscipline, and effort.

Conclusions: Stress is implicit in the life of a medical student, where organization and study skills are important. We recommend giving workshops on time management and study skills.