A STUDY TO ASSESS PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG STUDENTS FOR PREPARING FOR MEDICAL ENTRANCE EXAM

Abstract

Introduction: Psychological distress encompasses emotional suffering like stress, anxiety,
and burnout. In the competitive pursuit of medical college admission in India, twelfth-grade
scores and entrance exam rankings mark a challenging journey for students and families.
Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess psychological
distress among students preparing for medical entrance exams. The study was carried out at
selected coaching centres in Jalandhar, Punjab. A total of 100 students were included using
the convenience sampling technique. Data were collected through interviews, which included
socio-demographic profiles and Five-point Likert scale, specifically Kessler's Psychological
Distress Scale. This scale consisted of 10 questions with responses ranging from "All of the
time" (5) to "None of the time" (1), resulting in minimum score of 10 and maximum score of
50. Scores were further categorized as follows: Likely to be well (10-19), mild distress (20-
24), moderate distress (25-29) and severe distress (≥30). Data analysis was conducted using
IBM SPSS version 27.
Results: Out of 100 study subjects, 22% reported experiencing distress at well, indicating
relatively minimal psychological distress. Meanwhile, 27% indicated mild level of distress,
suggesting the presence of some emotional strain. Additionally, 24% reported moderate level
of distress, implying more discernible degree of psychological challenge. On the other hand,
27% of participants faced severe level of distress. The mean score of distress was 25.75±7.55.
Conclusion: The study highlights the need for tailored interventions to support students
during exam preparation. Future research could delve into nuanced factors influencing
distress levels.