Medical Education Management ›› 2026, Vol. 12 ›› Issue (3): 334-342.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2096-045X.2026.03.009

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Exploratory correlation study on mental health and academic performance among obstetrics and gynecology postgraduates: a cross-sectional study

  

  1. Department of Obstetrics, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital / Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100026, China
  • Received:2025-09-22 Revised:2025-10-27 Online:2026-06-20 Published:2026-07-13

Abstract:  Objective To examine the association between mental health and academic performance among obstetrics and gynecology postgraduates, and to identify major stressors and potential protective factors.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 71 postgraduate trainees. Anxiety, depression, sleep quality, social support, and major stressors were assessed, along with theoretical scores and clinical skill performance. Qualitative insights were obtained through content analysis of open-ended questions.Results Higher levels of anxiety and depression were negatively correlated with academic performance (P<0.05). Sleep fragmentation, frequent exposure to patient death, and ethical dilemmas significantly aggravated psychological distress (P<0.05). Qualitative analysis revealed a recurring cycle of "stress–exhaustion–recovery," with enhanced self-efficacy derived from successful clinical experiences.Conclusion This study indicates that obstetrics and gynecology postgraduates face multiple psychological stressors. A significant negative association was observed between self-reported anxiety/depression symptoms and subjectively assessed academic performance. Mentor support and clinical success experiences may serve as potential protective factors. These preliminary findings highlight the need for incorporating psychological support and competence-oriented interventions, yet require further validation through multi-center studies.


Key words:  , postgraduate students in obstetrics and gynecology| mental health|academic performance| stressors| social support