Mind, Money, and Medicine: Socio-Economic Status, Stress, and Its Psychological Echoes in Aspiring Physicians

Abstract Background: The escalating prevalence of mental health issues among young adults, set against the backdrop of a global healthcare system under pressure, underscores the necessity for cultivating a resilient medical workforce. This study investigates the influence of socio-economic status (SES) on psychological well-being, with a particular focus on Anxiety Sensitivity (AS) and Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) among first-year medical students. Understanding the psychological dimensions affecting medical students is crucial for fostering a future medical workforce that is both capable and mentally healthy. Methods: This research involved 321 first-year medical students, evaluated using the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (UI-18), and the Student Self-Efficacy Scale (SSE), alongside socio-economic categorization. Employing descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and correlation analyses, the study aimed at elucidating the SES impact on AS and IU, among other psychological constructs. Results: The analysis revealed significant SES-related differences, especially in the realms of Anxiety Sensitivity and Intolerance of Uncertainty. Notably, ASI_C (cognitive concerns) exhibited strong positive correlations with both UI_A (reduced ability to act due to IU) (Pearson's r = 0.562, p < .001) and UI_B (burden due to IU) (Pearson's r = 0.605, p < .001), highlighting the link between cognitive aspects of anxiety and uncertainty intolerance. Furthermore, UI_C (vigilance due to IU) was significantly associated with SES (F(4, 316) = 2.719, p = .030, η² = 0.033), pointing to the complex ways in which socio-economic factors modulate responses to uncertainty. Self-efficacy emerged as a significant counterbalance, showing protective associations against the adverse effects of heightened Anxiety Sensitivity and Intolerance of Uncertainty. Conclusion: The study's findings accentuate the critical influence of socio-economic status on Anxiety Sensitivity and Intolerance of Uncertainty among medical students, at a juncture when their role in the healthcare system is increasingly vital. The strong association between lower SES and greater expressions of ASI and UI underscores the pressing need for targeted interventions. Addressing these psychological challenges is essential for preparing a resilient medical workforce, equipped to navigate the complexities of contemporary healthcare delivery with not only medical expertise but also mental fortitude.