Stress and coping strategies among undergraduate nursing and medical students at AIMU, Saint Lucia

Medical education can be highly stressful and could affect student performance and well-being. The present study was conducted to study stress and coping strategies among undergraduate medical and nursing students at a university in Saint Lucia. The study was conducted during July 2018 using the medical student stressor questionnaire (MSSQ) and the brief cope. The study was conducted using an online questionnaire. Gender, course of study, semester, nationality and age were noted. The stressors were grouped into six categories. Mean scores of individual statements and of the six categories were calculated. Fourteen dimensions of coping strategies were noted. These were grouped into problem focused, active emotional and avoidant coping. Mean scores were calculated. Scores were compared among different subgroups of respondents. Eighty-two students of the 161 students (50.93%) participated. Majority was medical students and Indian nationals. Most stressors caused only mild to moderate stress. Academic related stressors had the highest score (2.39) while drive and desire related stressors had the score of 0.94. Differences were noted among certain subgroups. Commonly used coping strategies were active coping, positive reframing, planning and acceptance. The use of some coping strategies varied among different respondents. The mean scores for problem focused, active emotional, and avoidant coping were 21.42, 24.08 and 18.90, respectively. Information was obtained about stress and coping strategies. There were similarities and differences compared to the study conducted in Aruba. Longitudinal studies and studies in other offshore Caribbean medical schools are required