Relationship of Perceived Stress and Life Satisfaction among Medical Students: A Cross-sectional Study

Aims: To determine the relationship between stress and life satisfaction and also to correlate other factors that affect life satisfaction among medical students.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Melaka-Manipal Medical College, Muar, Johor, Malaysia from April to May 2016.

Methodology: 265 self-administered questionnaires were distributed to medical students of Melaka-Manipal Medical via universal sampling. The questionnaires consisted of socio-demographic characteristics, Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Scale (14 items) and Perceived Stress Scale (4 items). Data were analysed using SPSS version 17.

Results: A total of 242 medical students participated in this study (a 91.3% response rate). There was a significant negative correlation between perceived stress and life satisfaction (r = -0.366, P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis also showed a significant relationship between perceived stress and life satisfaction with regression coefficient of -1.445.

Conclusion: Intervention programs aimed at improving coping skills of the medical students in response to stress should be developed so that they enjoy greater satisfaction in life. This will lead to better academic performance, more efficient learning and reduce stress-related health problems.