Stress Management among Medical Students in Nigerian Universities

Stress is the body’s reaction to changes that requires physical, mental or psychological adjustment. It occurs when pressure exceeds an individual’s perceived ability to cope with daily demands at any point in time. Undergraduates, especially those in medical courses often experience stress mainly as a result of the demanding nature of their course and the inability of the students to manage their time and prioritize their interests. This often results to poor health and reduces academic performance of the students. This study aimed at identifying causes of stress among medical students in Nigerian universities, its associated effects and ways of managing these identified stressors. The study suggests among others cognitive and behavioural efforts on part of the students. This will help them set their priorities right, plan ahead and organize themselves so as to reduce the negative consequence of stress.