Stress, Anxiety, And Depression Among Medical Students Of The CBME Curriculum

Medical education has been reported to be one of the most stressful academic curricula worldwide, negatively affecting the physical and mental health of medical students. Examination fear, high parental expectations, peer pressure, lack of leisure time, financial problems, relationship disharmony, and aspirations for higher studies are some of the many factors known to contribute to the development of stress among undergraduate medical students. Early identification and necessary interventions targeting the alleviation of modifiable stressors might result in a less stressful academic life for students, which in turn could enhance their academic performance and skill development as medical graduates.1 Recently National Medical Council of India(NMC) introduced a new educational strategy for medical students by the name of Competency-based medical education(CBME), as it should reduce stress and may increase the efficacy and efficiency of medical students. It has been observed that medical school environments in India are extremely stressful and has led to suicidal attempts by the students. Fear of failure, vast amount of content that has to be mastered, inability to cope with the high expectations of parents and peers are found to be the most commonly observed sources of stress.2 Stress, health and emotional problems increase during the period of undergraduate medical education. This can lead to mental distress and has a negative impact on cognitive functioning and learning. An optimal level of stress, referred to earlier as ‘favourable stress’, can enhance learning. However, excessive stress can lead to physical and mental health problems. It can reduce students’ self-esteem and may affect academic achievement and personal or professional development.3 Stress is the “wear and tear” our bodies experience as we adjust to our continually changing environment; it has physical and emotional effects and can create a positive or negative influence on us. As a positive influence, stress can help to compel us to action. As a negative influence, it can result in feelings of distress, rejection, anger, and depression, which in turn can lead to health problems.4