Purpose
Knowing the stress level, contributing factors and the resultant impact on study habits can help identify potential interventions aimed at minimizing stress and, therefore, improve academic success. This survey-based study assessed perceived stress levels, identified contributing stress factors, and evaluated the impact on study habits in preclinical medical students.

Methods
A close-ended questionnaire was distributed using an online survey method after institutional ethical approval to the first- and second-year medical students. The internal consistency of questionnaire was 0.94 (Cronbach's alpha). Demographic data, the perceived stress score (PSS, short 4-item scale based on Cohen’s 10-item PSS, maximal score=16), academic, psychological, and health-related sources of stress (32 items, Gazzaz et al.), and the impact of stress on study habits (4 items) were assessed.

Results
A total of 73 responses were collected (71% female, 26% male, 3% other). The mean PSS was 10.2±2.5 (mean ± SD, 63.75%; for high perceived stress: PSS >67.5%, and for low perceived stress: PSS <35%). Age was 26.6 ± 4.9 (range 22-45), and 13.6% were married. Key academic stressors included limited recreation time (score: 182; possible highest score for stressors: 292), exam performance (score:171), and exam frequency (score:161). The main psychological stressors were future concerns (192), financial strain (178), and loneliness (145). Health-related stressors included sleep difficulties (165), poor nutrition (131), lack of exercise (131), and class attendance (65). Stress impacted study habits notably, particularly concentration span (200), regular study patterns (188), and participation in academic activities (153).

Conclusion
Preclinical medical students are exposed to substantial stress. Academic and psychological key stressors that negatively affected study habits were future concerns, limited recreation time, financial strain, and exam performance. Career and financial counseling and lifestyle interventions may address these stressors, potentially improving study habits and academic success.