MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG INDIAN MEDICAL STUDENTS STUDYING ABROAD IN RUSSIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58676/sjmas.v4i6.175Keywords:
International students, Coping strategies, Stress and anxiety, Medical students, Mental healthAbstract
Background: Mental health problems among medical students are a growing public health concern worldwide. Indian medical students studying abroad in Russia face additional psychological challenges due to academic pressure, cultural adjustment, language barriers, homesickness, and social isolation. These stressors may negatively affect emotional well-being, academic performance, and overall quality of life. This study aimed to assess the mental health challenges experienced by Indian medical students in Russia and identify the coping strategies used to manage stress and emotional difficulties.
Methods and Materials: A descriptive survey-based study was conducted among Indian medical students enrolled in Russian medical universities. Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire distributed through WhatsApp, Telegram, and student social groups. The questionnaire included items related to demographic characteristics, academic stress, emotional well-being, sleep patterns, homesickness, social support, and coping mechanisms. Responses were organized and analyzed using Microsoft Excel to identify common psychological stressors and coping behaviors.
Results: The findings revealed that a large proportion of students experienced moderate to high levels of stress. The most commonly reported mental health challenges included academic stress, examination anxiety, homesickness, loneliness, sleep disturbances, and emotional exhaustion. Major contributing factors included academic workload, language difficulties, climate adaptation, financial concerns, and uncertainty regarding future licensing examinations and career opportunities. Students commonly coped with stress through peer support, communication with family, entertainment activities, exercise, religious practices, and time management strategies. However, awareness and utilization of professional mental health services remained limited.
Conclusion: Mental health challenges are highly prevalent among Indian medical students studying in Russia and require greater institutional attention and support. Strengthening mental health awareness programs, counselling services, peer support systems, and stress management interventions may significantly improve students’ psychological well-being and academic experiences. Universities should adopt preventive public health approaches to support the emotional and mental health needs of international medical students.
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