A cross-sectional study on quality of life and stress among medical students and interns in Central Karnataka

INTRODUCTION: Studies have shown the lower quality of life (QoL) and higher levels of stress among students of health-care courses compared to others. The present study was done to assess the QoL and perceived stress levels among medical students and interns and the correlation between them. Symptoms experienced in the case of stress and coping strategies for stress were also studied. METHODOLOGY: All students and interns in a medical college in Central Karnataka were interviewed. WHOQoL-BREF scale and Perceived Stress Scale-10 were used to assess the QoL and perceived stress levels, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 94 students participated. Psychological domain and environment domain scores (52.3 and 59.02, respectively) were lower. A significant negative correlation was observed between all the domains of QoL and stress scores. More than half of the students (60.6%) were under moderate stress. CONCLUSION: Efforts should be made to improve the QoL and reduce stress levels among medical students and interns. Various better-coping methods for stress should be taught to them.