Assessment of Psychological Health of First Year Medical Undergraduate StudentsA Longitudinal study.

Shikha Jain; Preeti Jain

Volume : V, Issue : X, October - 2016

Assessment of Psychological Health of First Year Medical Undergraduate StudentsA Longitudinal study.

Shikha Jain, Preeti Jain

Abstract :

Objective: The study was conducted to prospectively assess the psychological health of first year medical students at the beginning and end of an academic session, and to determine their demographic correlates. Method: 165 students (M=94, F=71) participated in longitudinal, self–administered questionnaire based study. Data was collected in two sessions; after completion of first week in the institute (baseline) and at the end of first academic term (follow–up). Psychological health was assessed using 12–items General health questionnaire (GHQ–12). Result: Prevalence of psychological morbidity was 43% in the baseline session which increased significantly (p<0.001) to 65% in the follow–up session. No significant difference was observed in the mental well–being of the participants on the basis of the demographic characteristics. Conclusion: Considerably high prevalence of psychological morbidity was self–reported by the participants, both, at the beginning as well as, at the end of an academic session, with significant deterioration at the follow–up session as compared to the baseline session as indexed by the GHQ–12.