Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39748416›Full record

ArticleBMC medical education2025

Unveiling the interplay of medical professionalism, mental well-being and coping in medical students: a qualitative phenomenological study.

Kamran Sattar, Muhamad Saiful Bahri Yusoff

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC medical education, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

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2citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors.

Kamran SattarDepartment of Medical Education, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Muhamad Saiful Bahri YusoffDepartment of Medical Education, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. msaiful_bahri@usm.my.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4969-9217

Funding

Research University Grant, Universiti Sains Malaysia 8012368
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundMedical students face significant stress and challenges that impact their professional development by affecting their levels of medical professionalism (MP), coping ability, and mental well-being (MWB). Given the high-stakes environment of medical education, understanding the interplay between these factors is crucial. This study aims to explore undergraduate medical students' lived experiences of MP, coping strategies (CSs), and MWB to inform the development of effective support systems.

methodsA qualitative phenomenological study was conducted using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to capture the lived experiences of 40 medical students from first, third, and fifth years of study. Participants, selected through purposive sampling, represented diverse backgrounds (with 27 females, 18 fifth-year students, and 30 Malays). Seven FGDs, each with 5-10 participants, were conducted via Zoom©, yielding comprehensive qualitative data. An inductive coding approach was applied through iterative transcript analysis to ensure robust findings.

resultsAnalysis revealed two themes related to MWB: 'mental well-being issues,' highlighting persistent mental health challenges, and 'happiness,' illustrating factors that sustain well-being. CSs were categorized into 'positive coping,' including seeking support, and 'negative coping,' such as denial. For MP, two themes emerged: 'inter-medical professionalism,' focusing on communication with others, and 'intra-medical professionalism,' emphasizing ethical self-conduct.

conclusionThe interplay between CSs, MP, and MWB is complex and deeply intertwined. The findings highlight the importance of developing targeted interventions to support medical students in managing stress, maintaining professionalism, and enhancing their mental well-being throughout their training. Future research should further explore these themes to inform policy and curriculum development in medical education. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

Indexed as

Adaptation, PsychologicalFocus GroupsMental HealthProfessionalismQualitative ResearchStudents, MedicalAdultEducation, Medical, UndergraduateFemaleHumansMaleYoung AdultCopingFocus group discussionMedical educationMedical professionalismMedical studentsMental well-beingQualitativeRelationshipUndergraduate

Identifiers

PMID39748416
PMCPMC11697919

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.