Burnout and psychiatric morbidity among medical students entering clinical training: a three year prospective questionnaire and interview-based study
2007

Burnout and Mental Health in Medical Students

Sample size: 127 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Dahlin Marie E, Runeson Bo

Primary Institution: Karolinska Institutet

Hypothesis

What is the prevalence of burnout and psychiatric morbidity among medical students entering clinical training?

Conclusion

Psychiatric morbidity is common in medical students but few seek help.

Supporting Evidence

  • 27% of interviewed students had a psychiatric diagnosis.
  • High burnout was predicted by impulsivity and depressive symptoms.
  • Only a small proportion of students with psychiatric conditions sought help.

Takeaway

Many medical students feel very stressed and sad, but not many ask for help when they need it.

Methodology

The study used questionnaires and diagnostic interviews to assess burnout and psychiatric morbidity among medical students over three years.

Potential Biases

The study may not fully represent the experiences of all medical students due to the loss of non-responders.

Limitations

Non-responders at follow-up had higher stress levels, which may have influenced the results.

Participant Demographics

57.5% women, mean age 23.8 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.00

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6920-7-6

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