Prevalence and Associated Factors of Academic Stress among Medical Students in the University of Tripoli, Libya

This study aims to assess the prevalence of academic stress among medical students at the University of Tripoli and explore the associated factors influencing stress levels. The study also examines the impact of gender, academic major, marital status, and academic year on students' stress levels. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on a random sample of 400 students enrolled at the University of Tripoli, Libya, during Fall 2023. Data were collected through an online Google Form survey and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Q-Square statistical analysis. The findings revealed that stress levels among medical students were extremely high (96%), with moderate stress reported in 75.69% of students and severe stress in 14.66%. Female students were more affected by stress than males (94% vs. 80%). Additionally, third- and fourth-year students experienced the highest stress levels (94.07% and 92.66%, respectively). Among different medical disciplines, pharmacy students exhibited the highest stress levels (97.78%), followed by dentistry students (94.06%). The primary sources of stress were teaching methods (32.25%), lack of time (22.75%), and course difficulty (20%). The study recommends implementing clear curricula, structured educational plans with strict timelines, academic advisors, and student support programs to help students manage academic stress effectively.