AN ASSESSMENT THE EFFECT OF YOGA ON STRESS AMONG 1ST YEAR M.B.B.S.STUDENTS OF RANI DURGAVATI MEDICAL COLLEGE BANDA

Abstract

Background: Medical education is inherently stressful, particularly for first-year students transitioning from high school to an intensive academic environment. The pressure of voluminous coursework, long study hours, and the competitive nature of medical school often lead to stress-related health issues.  

Objective: To assess the effects of yoga on stress among first-year M.B.B.S. students at Rani Durgavati Medical College (R.D.M.C.), Banda.  

Methods: This cohort study was conducted among  all first-year M.B.B.S. students enrolled at R.D.M.C., Banda, over a period of nine months. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee before initiating the study.

Result: A substantial reduction in cortisol levels was observed post-yoga, with both male and female participants showing significant decreases, suggesting yoga's effectiveness in stress reduction. Stress severity, as measured by DASS-21 scores, significantly improved post-yoga, with a marked increase in participants categorized as "Normal" stress and a notable decrease in higher stress categories. Academic performance, as indicated by internal exam marks and practical skills ratings, significantly improved after the yoga intervention, showing the potential benefits of yoga on cognitive and practical learning. Physiological parameters such as systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate showed significant improvement after yoga, indicating positive effects on cardiovascular and autonomic functions. Participants reported significant improvements in happiness levels, with more individuals reporting being "Happy" or "Very Happy" post-yoga. Cortisol stratification showed a significant shift towards normal cortisol levels post-yoga, highlighting the stress-reducing effects of yoga. High adherence to the yoga sessions was strongly correlated with more significant improvements in both cortisol levels and academic performance. Adverse events were minimal, with only muscle strain and dizziness reported by a small percentage of participants, indicating the intervention's overall safety.

Conclusion: Our study's findings regarding the positive correlation between higher yoga adherence and improved cortisol levels and academic performance are consistent with the broader literature.