Insights Into Mental Health, Lifestyle Patterns, and Academic Attitudes among Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Medical students are more likely to be affected by mental health conditions due to their academic pressure. So, it is very important to have up-to-date information about it. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 406 randomly selected medical students. Participants gave informed verbal consent, and data collection was done through face-to-face interviews. Quality control measures were in place, and data confidentiality was ensured. Participants had the right to withdraw without providing a reason. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, with results presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Respondents of the current study were between 18 to 27 years with a mean age of 22.7±1.8 years. The majority 249(61.3%) were Muslim and 349(85.9%) were single. Of the students, 214(52.7%) had psychological distress and a significant 296(72.9%) respondents had a positive attitude towards medical education but 223(54.9%) of them thought that their current study was not enough. Near cent 368(90.7%) had normal mental health before medical admission. Around 191(47.1%) students had no general anxiety disorder and only 27(6.7%) were required to have mental health services. A significant 256(63.1%) respondents consume good food quality and around half 183(45.1%) were non-smokers. Near one-fourth 96(23.6%) had a sedentary lifestyle. The majority 284(69.9%) of respondents maintain a good relationship with their Only 148(36.5%) had a low level of emotional exhaustion. Conclusion: Medical students were suffering from psychological distress. Students' mental health conditions were good before admission to medical college and some of them were required to have mental health services. Students were suffering from different types of mental health conditions. Students usually consume healthy and good-quality food while most of them are non-smokers. The majority of respondents had an active lifestyle and also good relations with their parents. A significant number had low levels of emotional exhaustion.