Insights Into Mental Health, Lifestyle Patterns, and Academic Attitudes among Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Background: Medical students are more likely to experience mental health issues due to high academic pressure. Therefore, it is essential to have updated information regarding their mental health status.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 406 randomly selected medical students. Informed verbal consent was obtained from all participants. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, ensuring confidentiality and the right to withdraw at any time. Quality control measures were maintained throughout the study. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, and results were presented using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The participants were aged between 18 and 27 years, with a mean age of 22.7±1.8 years. The majority were Muslim (61.3%) and single (85.9%). Psychological distress was observed in 52.7% of students. A significant proportion (72.9%) had a positive attitude toward medical education, although 54.9% felt their current studies were insufficient. Most students (90.7%) reported normal mental health before admission. Nearly half (47.1%) had no generalized anxiety disorder, while only 6.7% required mental health services. Additionally, 63.1% reported good food quality consumption, 45.1% were non-smokers, and 23.6% had a sedentary lifestyle. A majority (69.9%) maintained good relationships with their parents, and 36.5% reported low levels of emotional exhaustion.

Conclusion: Medical students experience considerable psychological distress despite having good mental health prior to admission. While many maintain healthy lifestyles and positive relationships, a notable proportion still require mental health support. These findings highlight the need for targeted mental health interventions among medical students.