Perception of hypochondriasis among medical Students during COVID-19 at Tanta University, Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt

2 Doaa E.Abdeldaim

Abstract

Background: Widely, it is believed that medical students develop symptoms of illness and fears relating to the diseases that they are studying. This phenomenon known as hypochondriasis or medical students’ syndrome (MSS). The COVID-19 pandemic was considered an additional factor which increased the frequency of depression and anxiety related to diseases. Aim: to find out the prevalence and determinants of hypochondriasis among students in the faculty of medicine, Tanta University, Egypt. Methodology: This study included 500 students at Tanta faculty of medicine. The used questionnaire consisted of; Sociodemographic data, a structured questionnaire to assess some determinants of hypochondriasis and 14 - items version of Whiteley Index (WI). Results:78.8% of included students diagnosed as having hypochondriasis with females, 4thyearstudentsand those from rural areas affected more than others. Also, significant associations were found between having hypochondriasis and existence of its determinants. Conclusion: Medical students are vulnerable to be affected by hypochondriasis, so they are in need for continuous psychological counseling and support.

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