Assessment of Anxiety Disorder in First Year Undergraduate Students of a Medical College in Ahmedabad, Gujarat,India

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Medical education is competitive across the globe. It is considered to be one of the most academically

and emotionally demanding training programs out of any profession.

Objectives: Assessment of level of anxiety amongst newly admitted first year undergraduate medical students.

Methods: Cross sectional study was carried out amongst students by using a pre-designed and pre-tested, semi

structured questionnaire. Hamilton Anxiety Rating scale (HAM-A) was used for assessing the level of anxiety.

Google form was prepared and explained to the students and responses were collected.. 167 students participated

in this research.

Result: Out of total 167 students,75(44.91%) were boys and 92(55.09%) were girls. Mean age of boys and girls was

18.16 + 0.77 and 17.91 + 0.77 years respectively.103(61.68%) were residing in hostels. Forty (53.33%) boys and

36(39.13%) girls had no anxiety ,35(46.67%) boys and 53(57.61%) girls had mild anxiety, none of boys have moderate

to severe type of anxiety, 2(2.17%) girls have moderate type of anxiety and 1(1.08%) girl has severe type of

anxiety.Fifty- nine (35.33%) students are using relaxation method to relieve anxiety. The mean HAM-A score was

7.42 ± 3.65, indicating mild anxiety levels overall. There is no significant difference in anxiety levels as per age,

gender, type of residence and different living situation.

Conclusion: Though the anxiety level as assess by HAM-A scale amongst the medical students was high but the

overall mean score of anxiety was very low and all had only mild level of anxiety. These findings highlight the

importance of early psychological orientation and stress management sessions to help students adapt to the

demanding medical curriculum.