Exploring the Positive Feeling of Physical and Mental Energy among Struggling Preclinical Medical Students in Nigeria: A pilot Observational Study
Authors: Eleje George Uchenna , Ikwuka David Chibuike , Nwosu Kingsley Chinaza , Eleje Lydia Ijeoma , Sani Nasiru , Niyoyita Jean Paul , Okesina Kazeem Bidemi , Dimkpa Uchechukwu , Ikwuka Obiageli Ifeoma , Nwanna Uchechukwu Kevin , Archibong Victor Bassey , Twizeyimana Eric , Divekar Niranjan Shridhar , Ogenyi Samuel Ifedioranma , Ochayi Okwute Michael , Bushaku Marcus , Ani Elemi John , Nwaogu Kingsley Chidiebere , Onaadepo Olufunke , Sule Ibrahim Mohammed , Nwangwu Emmanuel Chukwunweike , Nri-Ezedi Chisom Adaobi , Onubogu Chinyere Ukamaka , Onwuegbuna Arinze Anthony , Okonoboh Theophilus Osaje , Ogelle Onyecherelam Monday , Mamah Johnbosco Emmanuel , Wondimu Diresibachew Haile , Nwobodo Edwin Okechukwu 
Published: October 2024

Objective: The pursuit of medical education is reputed to be demanding and research has increasingly shown that successful completion of medical studies entails fostering the mental well-being of medical students. However, medical students’ subjective vitality which is a critical component of their metal well-being is grossly underexplored. This study aimed to estimate the positive feeling of physical and mental energy among struggling medical students in Nigeria. Methods: Academic performance was evaluated through continuous assessment test (CAT) scores in basic physiology. Struggling medical students, defined as those with CAT scores less than 45%, were compared with control counterparts, whose CAT scores were ≥50%. The impact on physical and mental energy was assessed using the Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS) validated questionnaire. The study was conducted at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. Statistical comparisons between groups were conducted using the Wilcoxon test. Data were analyzed utilizing SPSS version 26, with a two-sided p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The study recruited 144 participants, with 19 (18.0%) identified as struggling students and 125 (82.0%) non-struggling students. The mean rank for subjective vitality scale (SVS) among struggling students was 63.13, compared to 73.92 among non-struggling students (p=0.293). Struggling students reported significantly lower scores specifically in the domain of feeling alive and vital at the moment compared to their counterparts with higher CAT scores (P = 0.011), suggesting diminished vitality. No significant differences occurred in the other six SVS items of struggling medical students when compared to their non-struggling counterparts Only age of the students significantly predicted their subjective vitality (β= – 0.172, t = -2.004, p = 0.047). Conclusion: Struggling students reported significantly lower scores on the SVS domain of feeling alive and vital at the moment compared to their counterparts with higher CAT scores This pilot study underscores the importance of understanding the relationship between academic struggles and the subjective experience of physical and mental energy among preclinical medical students in Nigeria. Further research with larger samples across multiple time points can help explain observed connections between educational challenges and vitality. Supportive interventions for students should be developed using this information.