Stressors and Solutions: Addressing the Needs of International Medical Students in Malaysia

Authors

  • Halyna Lugova Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University (Springhill campus), Bandar Springhill, No. 2, Avenue 3, Persiaran Springhill, 71010 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
  • Siti Fatimah binti Kader Maideen Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University (Springhill campus), Bandar Springhill, No. 2, Avenue 3, Persiaran Springhill, 71010 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
  • Mainul Haque Unit of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (National Defence University of Malaysia), Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Department of Research, Karnavati Scientific Research Center (KSRC), School of Dentistry, Karnavati University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat-382422. India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v23i3.75124

Keywords:

Stressor, Acculturative Stress, Academic Stress, Coping Mechanism, Social And Professional Support, Social Network, Active Coping, Mental Health, International Medical Students, Malaysia

Abstract

Medical students face numerous challenges due to demanding academic and environmental requirements set by educational institutions, society, and families. International medical students, in addition, grapple with further hurdles related to their acculturation in a foreign country, including isolation from their family and friends, language and cultural barriers, and individual factors. Although a body of knowledge addresses stressors typical for international medical students in other countries, insufficient attention has been given to this issue in Malaysia, which has recently emerged as an educational hub and a favored destination for young people aspiring to study medicine. It is vital to consider the academic, cultural, and religious aspects of the countries international students come from in the context of their potential acculturative dynamics in the host country. This paper explores factors contributing to stress among international medical students in Malaysia and examines common coping mechanisms relevant to this unique student population. The role of social, institutional, and professional support, religion, language, and personal development has been highlighted. Emphasizing the need for further research to inform tailored interventions aimed at alleviating stress among international medical students and enhancing the educational environment in Malaysian medical schools is crucial.

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 03 July’24 Page : 877-884

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Published

2024-07-29

How to Cite

Lugova, H., Kader Maideen, S. F. binti, & Haque, M. (2024). Stressors and Solutions: Addressing the Needs of International Medical Students in Malaysia. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science, 23(3), 877–884. https://doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v23i3.75124

Issue

Vol. 23 No. 3 (2024)

Section

Short Communication

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Halyna Lugova

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