Prevalence and Correlates of Emotional Distress Among Medical Students in Oman: Implications for Targeted Well-Being Interventions

Background: Emotional disorders are increasingly prevalent among medical students, driven by significant academic pressures that affect their well-being and performance. This study aims to assess emotional distress at Oman Medical College, addressing a gap in understanding mental health in this population and highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Methods: This study, conducted from April to May 2025, employed a descriptive cross-sectional design using standardized surveys to assess emotional distress among medical students at the National University of Science and Technology in Oman. Data was collected through an online questionnaire from a convenience sample of 400 students, utilizing the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) for mental health evaluation, and analyzed using SPSS for statistical significance. Results: Of the 400 students invited, 336 completed the survey (response rate: 84%). Participants had a mean age of 21.6 years; the majority were female (89.6%) and Omani nationals (78.2%). Emotional distress was prevalent in 73% of respondents, with exam-related stress emerging as a significant contributing factor. Notably, students reporting strong parental support had significantly lower rates of emotional distress (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study reveals a high burden of emotional distress among medical students in Oman, closely linked to academic stressors and mitigated by familial support. These findings underscore the urgent need to implement tailored mental health programs and resilience-building interventions within medical education settings in Oman.