Prevalence of Stress and Coping Styles in Resident Doctors: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Medical education is becoming complex posing extra burden on students. This increases stress in students, which has serious effects on their health, if it is not managed properly. Coping strategies are effective ways in reducing stress when used judiciously. Studies in postgraduate medical students (residents) focusing on these aspects are sparse. Aim is to assess the stress levels its correlates and coping strategies used by residents. Study is done on resident doctors working in three different hospitals and a medical college. Opt in method was used to include participants into the study. Single cross sectional assessment was done. All residents were approached for the study, consenting residents were asked for socio demographic details and administered Perceived stress scale and Brief COPE. Data was analyzed using SPSS software package 16 for windows. Spearman’s correlation, Kruskal Wallis test, Independent t test, Mann Whitney U test, ANOVA and factor analysis were done. Totally 251 residents were analyzed, 80% reported stress. Female gender, personal and workplace problems and sleep deprivation correlated with stress. Coping styles used were Self-distraction, Active coping, Emotional support, Instrumental support, Positive reframing, Planning and Acceptance. They differed with respect to gender, marital status, year of post-graduation, stress levels and choosing the subject. Principal component analysis of coping strategies grouped into three categories. In conclusion, Stress was highly prevalent in resident doctors and has more significance to personal factors.  Adaptive coping strategies were used by the residents though they had inter-group differences.