Impact of academic stress on the mental health of medical students at the María Serrana University in 2024

Abstract

This study explores the impact of academic stress on the mental health of medical students at the Universidad María Serrana during the year 2024. A quantitative, cross-sectional and descriptive design was used. The population included 190 students enrolled in the medical program at the Universidad María Serrana during the year 2024. The sample of 51 participants was found with a 90% confidence level, 10% margin of error and 50% degree of heterogeneity. The response rate was 92% (47). The survey was used using a questionnaire composed of 10 questions (9 closed and 1 open) for convenience in 2024. The results show that 31.9% spend between 21-30 hours studying and academic activities, 19.1% have a medium level of stress and 36.2% state that only sometimes academic stress impacts emotional well-being. It is concluded that medical students have revealed important insights into the challenges they face. In addition, excessive workload and lack of adequate support resources are key factors contributing to stress. Students have expressed an urgent need for improvements in academic planning, expanded counseling services, and implementation of strategies that foster a healthier study-life balance. This study highlights the urgent need to implement support strategies and additional resources to improve psychological well-being in the academic environment. The implications of these findings suggest that educational institutions should consider interventions designed to mitigate stress and promote a healthy study-life balance.