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Issue: No. 91 (2025)
Section: Article
DOI: 10.58490/ctump.2025i91.4088
Date Published: 25/09/2025
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Khuu, H. N., Nguyen, V. C., Nguyen, H. G. D., Do, S. H., Duong, N. P. M., Nguyen, T. T. T., & Nguyen, H. T. (2025). STUDY ON MEDICAL STUDENT SYNDROME AND RELATED FACTORS AMONG FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS IN CAN THO CITY. Cantho Journal of Medicine and Pharmacy, 91, 83-89. https://doi.org/10.58490/ctump.2025i91.4088

STUDY ON MEDICAL STUDENT SYNDROME AND RELATED FACTORS AMONG FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS IN CAN THO CITY

Hoang Nhon Khuu1, Van Chieu Nguyen1, Hoang Gia Duc Nguyen1, Song Huy Do1, Ngoc Phuong Mai Duong1, Thi Thanh Thao Nguyen1, Hoang Tin Nguyen1,
1 Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy

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Abstract

Background: Medical Student Syndrome is commonly observed in students during their early years of study. However, there is currently a lack of research in Can Tho city regarding the prevalence and contributing factors of this syndrome. Objective: To determine the prevalence and some factors related to Medical Student Syndrome, including hypochondriasis and nosophobia, among first-year students in Can Tho city. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 273 first-year students at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy and Can Tho University. Data were collected using a scale measuring hypochondriacal and nosophobic traits through Google Forms and analyzed using medical statistical methods with SPSS 25.0. Results: The prevalence of hypochondriasis and nosophobia among medical students was 22.2% and 14.8%, respectively, lower than those in non-medical students (40.5% and 27.9%) (p=0.001 and p=0.008). Non-medical studying increases the odds of hypochondriasis and nosophobia by a factor of 2.386 and 2.228. Ethnic minority students in both universities had higher rates of nosophobia compared to Kinh ethnicity students (OR=3.387; p=0.015). Internet addiction increases the odds of both syndromes by a factor of 2.464 and 4.291 (p=0.002 and p<0.001). Conclusion: Medical students have a lower prevalence of hypochondriasis and nosophobia compared to students of other majors. Ethnicity and internet addiction are factors associated with the prevalence of hypochondriasis and nosophobia. 

Keywords

Medical Student Syndrome, hypochondriasis, nosophobia, Internet addiction

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