What type of study is this?

This is a Cross-Sectional Study study.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to estimate psychological stress prevalence and identify associated factors in Traditional Medicine students.

March 14, 2026Open Access

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

Puntos clave

This research aims to estimate psychological stress prevalence and identify associated factors in Traditional Medicine students.
Cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among 490 undergraduate students from years 1-6 in the Faculty of Traditional Medicine.
Psychological stress assessed using the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10).
Association analysis between psychological stress and epidemiological factors using Pearson’s chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression.
Prevalence of psychological stress was found to be 58.9% among the students.
22.4% reported mild stress, 17.1% moderate, and 19.4% severe stress levels.
Significant associations found between psychological stress and sex (aOR = 1.52), year of study, and academic performance.

Resumen

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.

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