Prevalence of psychological distress and associated coping mechanisms of undergraduate medical students in selected universities in western province

Abstract

Psychological distress among medical undergraduates evidently impact on their daily lives and result in health risks like cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Stress among medical students, stemming from academic and personal pressures, can lead to maladaptive coping strategies. Coping mechanisms, essential in managing stress, vary based on stress levels. This research aims to explore the prevalence of distress and coping strategies among medical students in selected universities Western province, examining the association between coping methods and their psychological distress levels.