PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B AND C IN CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE IN PATIENTS ATTENDING GASTROENTEROLOGY OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT OF ST PAUL’S MILLENNIUM MEDICAL COLLEGE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN 2025: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Impostor Syndrome (IS) is a psychological phenomenon characterized by persistent self-doubt and fear of being exposed as incompetent despite evident achievements. Evidence regarding IS among medical students in Ethiopia remains limited. Objective: To assess the prevalence of Impostor Syndrome and its associated factors among undergraduate medical students at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students at SPHMMC in 2025.A total of 224 students participated in the study selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured, pretested self administered questionnaire via Google Forms, incorporating the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with IS, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of Impostor Syndrome was 26.8%. Most students reported frequent Impostor feelings (57.1%), followed by intense (23.7%) and moderate levels (19.2%) based on the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS).Academic dissatisfaction (AOR = 3.11, p = 0.007) and low self-esteem (AOR = 0.63, p = 0.001) were significantly associated. Students from rural backgrounds had higher odds of IS (AOR = 6.35, p = 0.021). Year of study was also significant, with senior students showing lower odds compared to juniors. Age, sex, cumulative GPA, and anxiety were not independently associated after adjustment. Conclusion: Impostor Syndrome is relatively common among medical students and is more strongly associated with subjective academic and psychological factors than objective academic performance. Recommendations: Interventions targeting self-esteem and academic satisfaction are recommended. Further longitudinal and multi-institutional studies are needed. Keywords: Impostor Syndrome, medical students, prevalence, self-esteem