Aggression Among Undergraduate Medical Students: A Cross- sectional Study Using the Buss-Perry Questionnaire at a Tertiary Institution in Northern India | [Journal of Pioneering Medical Sciences • 2025]

Author(s):

1. Amit Sachdeva: Department of Community Medicine, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

2. Anju Sachdeva: Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme Polyclinic, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

3. Mukesh Kumar: Department of Anesthesia, MMCMSR, Sadopur Ambala, Haryana, India

Abstract:

Background: Aggression among medical students is an underexplored but critical issue that can affect academic performance, peer relationships, and future professional behavior. This study aimed to assess levels of aggression and explore its association with key demographic, lifestyle, and psychosocial variables among MBBS students at Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire (1992) via a structured Google Form. A total of 202 undergraduate medical students, spanning first to fourth year (Batch 1-4), participated. Variables assessed included gender, age group, type of family, sleep duration, alcohol and smoking habits, exercise, meditation, music listening, romantic relationship status, and internet use. Statistical analyses included independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and descriptive statistics using Epi Info version 7 software. Results: The mean total aggression score was 123.97 (SD = 16.16). Males scored significantly higher than females (p = 0.011), and students in a romantic relationship exhibited greater aggression (p = 0.042). A significant variation was observed across academic years (p < 0.001), with 2nd and 4th year students showing the highest scores. Sleep duration was significantly associated with aggression (p = 0.002); students sleeping <6 hours had the lowest scores, whereas those sleeping 6-8 hours or >8 hours had higher aggression levels. Other variables such as type of family, alcohol/smoking habits, exercise, meditation, and music showed no statistically significant associations. Conclusion: Aggression in medical students appears influenced by gender, relationship status, academic year, and sleep patterns, underscoring the need for psychological screening and targeted wellness interventions within medical curricula. While some lifestyle factors showed no significant associations, their observed trends merit further exploration in larger and more diverse samples.

Page(s): 195-200

DOI: 10.47310/jpms2025140626

Published: Journal: Journal of Pioneering Medical Sciences, Volume: 14, Issue: 6, Year: 2025

Keywords:

medical students , Aggression , medical education , India , sleep , psychosocial factors , Gender Differences , MBBS , romantic relationships , bussperry questionnaire

References:

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