Exploring the role of medical education as a stressor: A comparative analysis between a government and a private institution

Background: Mental disorders are often overlooked due to non-specific diagnoses, indefinite clinical presentations, and varied, long-term treatment requirements. These issues are further compounded by myths and the social stigma attached, with medical education itself acting as a significant stressor. To determine the prevalence of psychological morbidities amongst government and private medical college undergraduates and to compare the psychological morbidities amongst these groups. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among first-year undergraduates of selected government and private medical colleges from March 15 th to May 15 th , 2024. Results: The study found higher rates of depression (41.9%), anxiety (47.5%), and stress (22.07%) among private college students compared to government college students (23.8%, 41.62%, and 14.04%), with significant differences in depression and stress levels ( P = 0.0013 and 0.004). Females were suffering more from psychological morbidities compared to males. Alcohol consumption and smoking were associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among medical students in both government and private institutions. Conclusions: This study indicates higher mental health issues among private medical college students in India, particularly affecting females and linked to substance use. It suggests interventions focusing on stressors and substance management.