Empathy and its Association with Stress and other factors in Medical Students

Abstract

Objectives: Empathy is the cornerstone of quality healthcare; however, stress has the potential to diminish it, with a possibility of differences between genders. The objectives of study were to evaluate the levels of empathy among medical students, the research also aimed to explore the possible associations existing with stress and gender and other factors.

Methods: About 300 medical students participated in this study. The study lasted for seven months. Sampling done was of non-probability quota type. Those who completed the questionnaire first were included. The online questionnaire was distributed to each class of MBBS through social media platforms. Data then imported to excel sheet and subsequently to SPSS 25 on which statistical analysis was conducted. Frequency and percentages were determined for categorical variables. For comparing categorical data, chi-square was employed. To see the association between empathy and stress, correlation is employed. A significance threshold of p < 0.05 was used.

Results: Most (61%) had below average empathy; 67% reported moderate stress. A weak positive correlation (r=0.25, p<0.05) was found between empathy and stress, also gender showed significant association (p = < 0.05) both with empathy and stress.

Conclusion: Participants had a relatively low level of empathy. A key factor influencing empathy and perceived stress level was gender. Establishing an ethical education program for medical students could aid in preserving their empathy. The curriculum for medical schools ought to place greater emphasis on encouraging empathy.

Keywords: Empathy, medical, stress, students