Influence of Financial Worries on Generalized Anxiety Disorder among Undergraduate Medical Students in Kenya: A Case of Kenya Methodist University, Main Campus, Meru

Abstract

Medical students are highly vulnerable to anxiety due to financial and other psychosocial stressors. This study examined the influence of financial worries on Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) among undergraduate medical students at Kenya Methodist University. Guided by the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, a concurrent mixed-methods design was used. A total of 163 students undertaking MBChB, pharmacy, clinical medicine, nursing, and medical laboratory were selected through stratified and simple random sampling; 8 staff, including Chairperson of the department (CODs) and lecturers were purposively sampled; while university counselors were censured. Data were collected via questionnaires and interviews. Research tools were piloted at Mount Kenya University; Cronbach’s alpha was 0.82, indicating a strong reliability. Quantitative analysis (SPSS v30) used descriptive statistics and regression, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Data were presented in tables and narrative. Results showed that financial worries (β = .297, p = .001) significantly increased GAD. Qualitative findings reinforced these results, indicating financial insecurity heightened stress. The study concludes that addressing financial pressures, such as a lack of fees, food, and other basic needs, is critical for enhancing medical students’ well-being. The study recommends that the university management and other educational institutions provide transparent financial aid and strengthen counselling for financially stressed student.