Evaluation of Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms and Their Impact on Academic Performance among Medical Students of Larkana: A Cross-sectional Study

This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence, characteristics, and academic impact of obsessive–compulsive symptoms (OCS) among 146 medical students at Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University, Larkana. The majority were female (67.8%) and aged 18–21 years (78.8%). Moderate levels of intrusive thoughts (mean = 2.40 ± 0.72) and compulsive hand washing (mean = 2.62 ± 0.95) were reported, both significantly above baseline (p < .001). Gender-based differences were observed, with females more frequently engaging in arranging behaviors (χ² = 9.35, p = .025) and reporting greater academic impairment due to OCD (χ² = 12.88, p = .005). No significant differences were found across age groups (p > .05), indicating stability of symptoms in young adulthood. Correlational analysis showed that intrusive thoughts were significantly associated with concentration difficulties (r = .42, p < .001), and compulsions were linked with academic disruption. These findings suggest that OCS are moderately prevalent among Pakistani medical students and have measurable effects on academic performance, highlighting the urgent need for institutional awareness programs and supportive interventions.