Social isolation and behavioral reactions in medical students with academic stress
Abstract
Introduction: University studies are considered stressful due to the academic and social changes they entail. Stress is perceived as a health problem impacting approximately 50,0 % of the population. Medical students are exposed to stressful stimuli; the demands of the program generate fear, in addition to the social, economic, and family problems that may be associated.
Objective: To identify the most frequent behavior in medical students with academic stress according to sex.
Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study was conducted from January
to July 2025, involving thirty second-year medical students from Faculty 1 of UCM-SC
who reported symptoms of anxiety and self-perceived stress. The Barraza Academic
Stress Test was applied, and informed consent was requested. Among the variables
studied were tendency to conflict, arguing or polemicizing, social isolation, reluctance to perform tasks and schoolwork, and increase or decrease in food consumption. Percentages were used for the analysis of qualitative data.
Results: The tendency to argue or polemicize predominated in females (53,3 %). Women reported a greater need to isolate themselves from others (69.2%) and more reluctance to perform schoolwork (61,5 %). Increased or decreased food consumption was also more represented in females (23,0 %).
Conclusions: Behavioral reactions predominated in female medical students, with social isolation from others being the most relevant symptom.
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