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Abstract Background Despite the general interest of researchers around the world, there are few studies on the psychological wellbeing and burnout among medical students in Russia. The aim of this study was to perform screening for minor psychiatric disorders, burnout, problematic alcohol use, and quantify the psychological issues and stress among a sample of medical students in St. Petersburg, Russia. Results According to the GHQ-12, screening for minor mental disorders was positive in 140 students (85%). Screening for burnout using the OLBI showed positive results in 121 (73%) students for disengagement and 132 (80%) students for exhaustion. Screening with the CAGE tool identified a risk of alcohol consumption in 33 students (20%). Most students reported academic studies as the main source of stress in their life (n = 147; 89.1%). Conclusions This study identified very high levels of stress, burnout, risk of minor mental disorders, and problematic alcohol use among medical students in St. Petersburg, Russia. These findings suggest more attention is needed to the poor mental wellbeing and health in medical students in Russia.

Background: Medical students tend to experience high levels of stress during their studies, that can result in mental health disorders and burnout, further affecting academic performance and later ability to practice. Aims: To investigate previous and current mental health issues, significant sources of stress, burnout, and substance use among medical students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Method: We conducted an online survey to collect data on demographics, sources of stress, mental health problems, burnout, and substance use in 385 medical students from the UAE University. We used the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), the General Health Questionnaire 12 (GHQ-12), and the CAGE questionnaire. Results: Our results indicated that 5.7% of participants had been diagnosed with a mental health condition prior to joining medical school, and that 21.6% of participants were diagnosed with a mental illness while in medical school. On the OLBI, 77.4% screened positive for burnout (81.3% for disengagement and 95.1% for exhaustion), with 74.5% screening positive for mental health difficulties on the GHQ-12 and <1% screening positive on the CAGE for problem drinking. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between scores on the OLBI and the GHQ-12. Conclusions: Our study indicated that high levels of stress, burnout and mental illness are experienced among medical students in the UAE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medical students face high pressures to perform academically, which may lead to poor psychological wellbeing, burnout, and even mental illness. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the mental health, degree of burnout and substance misuse among medical students in Indonesia in order to to build a system that supports the prosperity of future doctors. Methods: In February to March 2020, we conducted an online survey of Indonesian medical students to assess burnout (using Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, OLBI), minor psychiatric illness (General Health Questionnaire 12, GHQ12), and alcohol abuse (CAGE questionnaire). Results/Conclusion: A total of 1,729 students from 29 universities participated in the study; 93% felt disengaged, 95% felt exhausted, and 74% were identified to have mild psychiatric illness. We discuss potential factors that need to be explored in further research, including further concerns related to developments since the pandemic, and the need for potential interventions at both local and national levels to enhance the wellbeing of medical students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Our previous research found very high levels of burnout and mental health problems among medical students across Indonesia, in line with rates in many other countries. This study further analyses the data by comparing six different regions of Indonesia to determine any differences between them on such measures and to look for possible explanations. Results: Our sample of 1,729 students reported high levels of burnout and 'mild' psychiatric illness across all six regions. There were however significant differences between some regions. Sumatran students reported the lowest scores for both the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) and General Health Questionnaire 12 (GHQ12) scales. Sources of stress also varied among regions, with relationships and study the most reported. Further exploration of possible cultural differences is needed as well as prompt mental health support for medical students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medical students in Denmark undertake a demanding 6-year course which is generally during a critical age for the development of psychiatric disorder and harmful substance or alcohol use behaviours. Previous literature has highlighted significant rates of distress in Danish students. Aims: We surveyed medical students in Denmark to better understand wellbeing, psychiatric morbidity, sources of stress, substance and alcohol use, psychological distress and burnout. Methods: Medical students were invited to participate in a single survey via email and social media which was completed through an online form, available for a 6-month period. The survey used a mixture of pre-defined answer options alongside free-text responses. Embedded within the survey were standardised and reliable specific instruments related to alcohol use (the CAGE questionnaire), overall psychological wellbeing and burnout. Results: There were 647 respondents, with a quite even year-group distribution, representing just over 16% of total number of students attending medical school in Denmark. Prior to medical school 35% had visited a professional regarding their mental health. While at medical school 16% reported a diagnosis of a mental health condition. 83% reported significant stress from study. Around 7 in 10 met case criteria using instruments designed to test for minor psychiatric morbidity and burnout. 13% tested CAGE positive, whilst 4% reported concerns from themselves or others about their substance use. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates high levels of psychiatric morbidity and worrying levels of burnout in this population. The striking 13% CAGE positive rate suggests this demographic is at risk of harm from alcohol. Our results suggest a high level of need to support this population - with further study required to demonstrate which interventions would be of most benefit for this population in light of our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research: There is abundant data revealing that there is significant rate of rates of Psychiatric morbidity, psychological stress, and burnout in the medical student population. A core study group in the UK collaborated with 12 countries around the world to review medical student wellness. In this context we surveyed 101 medical students at the Cummings medical school, Calgary, Canada during the height of the COVID pandemic regarding their wellbeing and mental health. Results/main findings: Prior to medical school 27% reported a diagnosis with a mental disorder. Whilst at medical school 21% reported a mental health condition, most commonly an anxiety disorder and or depressive disorder. The most commonly reported source of stress was study at 81%, the second being relationships at 62%, money stress was a significant source of stress for 35%, and finally 10% reported accommodation or housing as stressful. Interestingly only 14% tested CAGE positive but 20% of students reported having taken a non-prescription substance to feel better or regulate their mood. Seventy-five percent of medical students met specific case criteria for exhaustion on the Oldenburg Burnout inventory 74% met criteria for the GHQ questionnaire. Conclusions: These findings confirm that medical students are facing significant stressors during their training. These stressors include, in order of frequency, study, relational, financial, and accommodation issues. Nonprescription Substance use was a common finding as well as exhaustion and psychiatric morbidity. Future interventions pursued will have to address cultural issues as well as the organizational and individual determinates of stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies from around the world have shown higher rates of anxiety, depression, alcohol and other drug use, and burnout in medical students. Aims: The aim of this study was to identify the socio-demographic factors and severity of difficulties Sri Lankan medical students face regarding psychological wellbeing and burnout. Method: This one-off survey used a cross-sectional design, assessing substance use, psychological wellbeing, and burnout using the CAGE, GHQ-12, and OLBI. The survey was open to all medical students in six universities in Sri Lanka. Chisquare analysis was used to assess the statistical significance related to categorical dependent variables and one-way ANOVA for continuous dependent variables. Results: A higher prevalence of diagnosed mental health conditions was found following admission to the medical course in comparison prior to admission. Sixty-two percent of students had a score of more than 2 on the GHQ-12 indicating caseness. The OLBI identified exhaustion in 79% of students. The CAGE questionnaire was positive in 4.8% of students. Conclusions: Only a small proportion of students are recognizing their mental health difficulties and seeking help. Further understanding is required as to why this is, as well as re-evaluation of the demands of the curriculum. Effective ways of regularly identifying and providing practical and evidence-based support for mental health problems in medical and other undergraduates need to be identified and introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The psychological wellbeing and stresses on medical students are currently under a global spotlight. Under a wider initiative supported by the British Medical Association (BMA), international surveys have been conducted to understand and begin to tackle these issues. Method: This study aimed at describing the mental wellbeing and levels of burnout of Iranian medical students. A total of 179 medical students from 19 different cities participated voluntarily in the survey by answering an online questionnaire between April and August 2020. We detected a trend toward higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders (namely depressive disorders) and substance misuse when compared to previous national studies. Results: About 6% of students screened positive for alcohol problems with the CAGE questionnaire. About 77% of medical students screened positive for mental health problems with the GHQ12 questionnaire. Very high rates of burnout were also reported. These findings emphasize the urgent need to define methods to screen at risk medical students and implement local and national initiatives to curtain their potential detrimental effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medical students are under high pressure to perform academically and also face the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, putting them at risk of developing burnout. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and degree of burnout among medical students in Indonesia during 1 month of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: From April to May 2021, we conducted an online survey of Indonesian medical students to assess burnout (using Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey, MBI-SS). Results: A total of 1,947 students from 27 universities participated in the study. About 35.5% had burnout, 41.7% with a moderate to high level of emotional exhaustion, 45% had moderate to high level of depersonalization and 66.7% had a low level of personal accomplishment. Conclusion: A total of 35.5% of medical students in our sample experienced burnout. We suggest further research to explore and identify factors related to these findings and the need for potential interventions at global and national level to enhance the well-being of medical students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High levels of stress, burnout, and symptoms of poor mental health have been well known among practicing doctors for a number of years. Indeed, many health systems have formal and informal mechanisms to offer support and treatment where needed, though this varies tremendously across cultures. There is increasing evidence that current medical students, our doctors of the future, also report very high levels of distress, burnout, and substance misuse. We sampled large groups of medical students in 12 countries at the same time and with exactly the same method in order to aid direct comparison. 3766 students responded to our survey across five continents in what we believe is a global first. Our results show that students in all 12 countries report very high levels of 'caseness' on validated measures of psychiatric symptoms and burnout. Rates of substance misuse, often a cause of or coping mechanism for this distress, and identified sources of stress also varied across cultures. Variations are strongly influenced by cultural factors. Further quantitative and qualitative research is required to confirm our results and further delineate the causes for high rates of psychiatric symptoms and burnout. Studies should also focus on the implementation of strategies to safeguard and identify those most at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical students' wellbeing and mental health requires nurturing in order for them to build success in their careers, help people while doing so, and to be happy. To better characterise the current state of wellbeing in medical schools in Wales, medical students from Cardiff and Swansea Universities were asked to complete an online survey as part of a larger international survey regarding their mental health and wellbeing. 266 students responded out of approximately 2150, a rate of 12%. 44 students received a mental health diagnosis whilst at medical school (predominantly depression or anxiety), 65 scored threshold for concerning alcohol consumption using the CAGE questionnaire, and 224 and 230 students reached threshold for the disengagement and exhaustion components of the Oldenburg Burnout Scale, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical students are thought to have increased pressures in study life beyond that of their peers. This could impact their psychological wellbeing, burnout and substance use, impeding a smooth transition into the health workforce. A cross-sectional electronic survey of one of New Zealand's two medical schools was undertaken, and students in all years were invited to participate through email. Two hundred and twenty students completed the survey. Forty-six students (21%) reported that they were currently seeing a GP or Allied Healthcare Professional (AHP) for their mental ill-health. Seventy-seven students (35%) reported having taken cannabis during medical school. The number of respondents reaching the threshold for CAGE, and thus demonstrating problem drinking, was 40 (18%). Additionally, burnout levels were scored, with 150 students (68%) classifying as disengaged and 169 (77%) as suffering from exhaustion on the Oldenburg burnout measure. Going forwards, organizational bodies including governments and medical schools should place emphasis on the importance of optimizing medical student wellbeing, including resilience training and improved workforce wellbeing planning, to positively impact not just medical students as they progress to doctors, but for patients, and the healthcare system as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical students in India completed an anonymous online questionnaire regarding mental health and wellbeing, including Oldenburg burnout ratings, CAGE questionnaires, and general health questionnaire (GHQ12). Out of 597 student responses, over 80% were characterised as experiencing burnout. This study highlights the need to further examine this issue, including possible causes and solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wellbeing of doctors in training is currently under the spotlight. The British Medical Association (BMA) has committed to understanding issues of wellbeing amongst medical students. Medical students from England were asked to complete an online survey pertaining to wellbeing. 84 students responded. Results show 29% of respondents were given a mental health diagnosis whilst at medical school, and 82% could be classified as 'disengaged' and 85% 'exhausted' using the Oldenburg Burnout Scale. This demonstrates the need for further surveys with an increased number of respondents in order to gather more evidence surrounding these high rates of mental health issues. Support and preventative measures for medical students are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In line with studies from around the world, several studies have shown equal or higher rates of anxiety, depression, alcohol and other drug use, and burnout in medical students in Brazil. The aim of the present study was to identify difficulties Brazilian medical students face regarding stressors, psychological distress, and psychiatric morbidity using standardized reliable and valid instruments. In addition, this study also investigated differences associated with sex. Students (n = 129) were asked to complete a one-off survey from January to June 2019, including demographics, previous mental health issues, CAGE, GHQ-12, and OLBI. A higher prevalence of previous mental disorders was found in comparison to during the medical course. This may suggest that perhaps students are under more stress or that they form a more vulnerable sub-population in medical school in comparison with the general population. However, the types of mental disorders before and during the undergraduate course appear to vary. During the course, they show higher levels of anxiety rather than that of depression. Before commencing the course, they showed higher levels of depression rather than anxiety. Cannabis and ecstasy experimentation levels were higher than those of students from other courses in previous studies. The opposite was true for stimulants. Just over a quarter reported alcohol abuse above the CAGE cut-off point. The levels of psychological distress and burnout were extremely high, and women had even higher levels. Male respondents were more likely to have a history of mental ill-health, but female subjects scored higher on burnout. Overall over 80% students reported burnout. These findings are discussed in the context of Brazilian culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical students are a known high-risk group for mental health issues. This study aimed to survey the psychological well-being of medical students from Hong Kong, a known stressful city. This study is part of a wider effort to compare the psychological well-being of medical students world-wide. We invited medical students from Hong Kong to complete a self-report questionnaire online. The questionnaire included questions on demographics, known mental health issues, sources of psychological stress, and substance use. It also included the cut-annoyed-guilty-eye (CAGE) questionnaire, Short-Form General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI). There were 123 responses. Our results suggest high levels of psychological morbidity and distress among medical students in Hong Kong. 87% screened positive for minor psychiatric disorders on the GHQ-12 and 95% met OLBI thresholds for burnout. Female respondents demonstrated significantly higher mean GHQ-12 scores than male. Despite the apparent high prevalence of mental ill-health in this population, only 15% of respondents reported receiving professional help. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical students are tomorrow's healthcare professionals (HCPs), and their role in the design and delivery of healthcare in the future is crucial. Following an invitation to participate in a global call on mental health and wellbeing among medical students, it was decided to include Moroccan medical students based in the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat between March 2019 and May 2019. Six hundred and thirty-seven medical students from the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Rabat responded to the BMA (British Medical Association) online survey, with females representing 66% of students. Medical studies were considered the main source of stress by 90% of respondents. The CAGE test screened 5% of students to be at risk of alcohol related health problems. Thirteen per cent of respondents reported substance misuse, 20% consumed alcohol, and 13% reported Illicit drug use. Almost half of Moroccan medical students had minor psychiatric disorder according to GHQ-12. Very high rates of burnout were found among undergraduate medical students, at 93%, and 68% reported, respectively, exhaustion and disengagement. This study showed very high levels of burnout among Moroccan undergraduate medical students. These results draw attention to the poor mental wellbeing of medical students. It is important that careful steps are put in place to support medical students who need this help. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In studies around the world, medical students have been identified as being at high risk for poor mental wellbeing, burnout and mental ill health. This can lead on to poorer physical health, substance misuse and reduced academic performance. We surveyed Portuguese medical students to assess burnout (using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, OLBI), minor psychiatric illness (General Health Questionnaire 12, GHQ12) and alcohol misuse (CAGE questionnaire). A total of 622 medical students participated in the study. We found high levels of exhaustion (89%), disengagement (81%) and minor psychiatric illness (91%). The CAGE questionnaire was positive in 10% of students. Future research is required to confirm these results, assess and monitor local and global trends and investigate interventions at both local and national level to improve the mental wellbeing of medical students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Across the globe medical students are experiencing high levels of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. This can ultimately lead to poor academic performance, substance misuse and/or concerns over clinical practice and fitness to practice. We surveyed Jordanian medical students to assess burnout (using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, OLBI), minor psychiatric illness (General Health Questionnaire 12, GHQ12) and alcohol/substance abuse (CAGE questionnaire). Results indicate a high level of exhaustion (91%), disengagement (87%) and 'minor' psychiatric illness (92%). OLBI and GHQ12 scores were found to correlate positively (p < 0.001). The CAGE questionnaire was positive in 8% of students. Further research is required to confirm these results and compare them to the global burden of mental illness in medical students. Medical students in Jordan should be considered a high-risk group for burnout and mental health problems and strategies should be employed to recognise and appropriately manage those most at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical students (MSs) are an important part of the workforce for delivery of tomorrow's healthcare. Their ever changing knowledge base and long periods of training may significantly affect their mental health and wellbeing over the years. Following a global call for participation, it was decided to include Italian medical schools based in the Universities of Ancona and Foggia between January and April 2019. Students were invited to participate in an online survey. A total of 360 completed responses were received and analysed. Of these, 8.6% of samples reported mental health issues whilst at medical school, ranking as follows: Anxiety Disorders > Major Depression > Eating Disorders > ADHD > Burnout Syndrome; 7.2% of them had been treated with psychotropic medications whereas 7.8% were self-medicating; 8.9% reported problems related to alcohol-drinking, and 22.8% admitted using illicit drugs (mostly cannabis and cocaine). The levels of burnout syndrome were quite low. It is important to ensure that the future workforce are looked after and, as the students are in the vulnerable age group, they should have access to early and prompt help-seeking and early interventions if needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and method: To pilot and evaluate an innovative theatre and mental health education programme, designed to increase awareness and understanding of self-harm in adolescents and improve awareness of avenues of help. Working in collaboration with the Myrtle Theatre Company a play on the theme of self-harm in adolescence was commissioned, and was shown to staff from Bristol secondary schools. Workshops were held following the performance of the play. Results: Participants completed evaluation questionnaires before (n=20) and after (n=15) the play. The responses indicated an increase in understanding of self-harm and confidence to discuss the related issues. Ideas about developing the programme in schools were proposed. Clinical implications: A combination of theatre and workshops can be a non-confrontational yet powerful tool to engage an audience in a meaningful way to think about difficult emotional issues, including self-harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]