Previously submitted to: JMIR Mental Health (no longer under consideration since May 19, 2025)
Date Submitted: May 12, 2025
Open Peer Review Period: May 19, 2025 - May 19, 2025
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Prevalence and Determinants of Psychological Distress Among Medical Interns in Bangladesh: A Cross-Institutional Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Medical internship is a period of intense stress. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of psychological distress and identify associated sociodemographic and work-related determinants among medical interns in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Objective:
The primary objectives of this study were: 1. To determine the prevalence of psychological distress (as measured by the GHQ-12) among medical interns in selected public and private institutions in Dhaka. 2. To identify and quantify key perceived stressors, including career uncertainty, academic stress, financial concerns, and workload. 3. To compare the levels of psychological distress and perceived stressors between interns in government versus private institutions. 4. To analyze gender differences in perceived stressors and psychological distress. 5. To provide recommendations for mitigating psychological distress and improving well-being among medical interns in Bangladesh.
Methods:
: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between August and September 2024 among 150 medical interns from one public (Dhaka Medical College Hospital, n=100) and two private medical colleges (Ibrahim Medical College, n=25; Bangladesh Medical College, n=25) in Dhaka. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire incorporating sociodemographic details, the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) for psychological distress (using a bimodal scoring of 0-0-1-1; cut-off ≥4 for distress), and a custom scale assessing stressors like career uncertainty, academic pressure, financial concerns, and workload (responses on a 5-point Likert scale, with scores ≥4 considered 'high stress'). Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used for analysis, with p<0.05 considered significant
Results:
The mean age of participants was 25.8 ± 1.4 years; 60% (n=90) were female. Overall, 47.3% (n=71) of interns reported psychological distress (GHQ-12 score ≥4). Severe distress (GHQ-12 score 10-12) was found in 8.7% (n=13) of interns. No statistically significant difference in overall distress prevalence was found between government (48%) and private institutions (46%) (p=0.841). Key stressors reported as 'high' included: workload (males: 85%, females: 81%), financial concerns (males: 70%, females: 54%), academic stress (males: 66%, females: 59%), and career uncertainty (males: 61%, females: 47%). Males reported significantly higher financial stress (χ²=4.56, p=0.033).
Conclusions:
: A substantial proportion of medical interns in Dhaka experience psychological distress, with workload and financial concerns being prominent stressors. While institutional type did not significantly alter overall distress rates, gender differences in specific stressors, particularly financial concerns, were evident. These findings highlight the need for targeted mental health support, workload regulation, and financial guidance for medical interns in Bangladesh.
Citation
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