Stress Levels and Coping Mechanisms Among Intern Doctors in a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

Abstract

Background: Internship is a critical phase in medical training characterized by increased clinical responsibilities, long working hours, and emotional challenges, which may predispose intern doctors to high levels of stress. Coping mechanisms play a crucial role in determining how individuals manage such stress, influencing both psychological well-being and professional performance.

Objectives: To assess the levels of stress among intern doctors and to evaluate the coping mechanisms adopted by them in a tertiary care hospital in North India, and to examine the association between stress levels and coping strategies.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from January 2025 to September 2025 among 186 intern doctors. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire, including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the Brief COPE inventory. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize variables, and associations were assessed using the Chi-square test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Among the 186 participants, 63.4% experienced moderate stress, while 19.4% reported high stress levels. The majority of interns worked 9–12 hours per day, with a considerable proportion exceeding 12 hours and performing frequent night duties. Adaptive coping strategies such as active coping (65.6%) and planning (58.1%) were commonly used; however, maladaptive strategies like self-blame (39.8%) and denial (29.0%) were also prevalent. A statistically significant association was found between coping strategy type and stress levels (p = 0.01), with higher stress observed among those using predominantly maladaptive coping mechanisms.

Conclusion: Intern doctors experience a significant burden of stress, with coping strategies playing a crucial role in its modulation. Promoting adaptive coping and implementing institutional support systems are essential to improve mental well-being and ensure optimal healthcare delivery.