Prevalence and Associated Factors of Psychological Stress among Traditional Medicine Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Psychological stress is a prevalent mental health condition, particularly among students in the medical sciences due to a high-pressure academic environment. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of stress and to identify associated factors among Traditional Medicine (TM) students from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from November 2024 to May 2025 among 490 undergraduate students in years 1–6 of the Faculty of Traditional Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City. Psychological stress was assessed using the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Associations between psychological stress and epidemiological factors were examined using Pearson’s chi-square test (χ²) and multivariable logistic regression. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from November 2024 to May 2025 among 490 undergraduate students in years 1–6 of the Faculty of Traditional Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City. Psychological stress was assessed using the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Associations between psychological stress and epidemiological factors were examined using Pearson’s chi-square test (χ²) and multivariable logistic regression.Results: The prevalence of psychological stress among students in the sample was 58.9%. Of the total sample, 22.4% reported mild stress, 17.1% moderate, and 19.4% severe. Statistical analysis indicated significant associations between psychological stress and sex (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 1.52, p = 0.038), year of study (second-year vs. first-year: aOR = 2.01, p = 0.008), and academic performance (Outstanding vs. Good: aOR = 2.12, p = 0.045; Excellent vs. Good: aOR = 1.56, p = 0.029). Conclusions: The high prevalence of psychological stress among students in the Faculty of Traditional Medicine underscores the need to implement routine screening, counseling and support services, and university-based prevention programs. Further research is warranted to elucidate sex differences and to identify modifiable risk factors.