132 - Prevalence of the Impostor Phenomenon in Medical Students of the Universidad Autonoma De Nuevo Leon

Poster Board Number: 132
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Abstract Body : Introduction:
The impostor phenomenon (IP) is described as an experience where one is unable to internalize success, characterized by the idea of being overestimated, that their peers are better trained, and that their achievements are due to luck or some error in the evaluation, and not their own merit. These are increasingly reported in medical students and health professionals due to deteriorating mental health and its association with stagnant professional and academic development. The objective was to determine the prevalence of IP among medical students at the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon.

Methods:
An observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study was performed using an online survey. Inclusion criteria included students from the medical school enrolled in medicine degree (MD), regardless of their semester. The survey consisted of collecting demographic data, applying the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) and a questionnaire on possible associated factors.

Results:
A total of 623 surveys were answered. Of those surveyed, 613 were valid, with 62% being women. A prevalence of 67% was recorded for IP, that is, 415 students with a score ≥62 on the CIPS scale, with a mean score of 68.49 out of 100 possible points. 45% were classified with this phenomenon as “frequent". The prevalence increased with the semester of MD, also increasing the frequency of
"frequent" and "intense" IP classification. Many experiences reported being afraid of their professional future, feeling family pressure, and fearing academic failure.

Conclusion:
A higher prevalence was observed in our population compared to that described in the literature. Possible causes such as the COVID-19 pandemic and social factors in our context may have been influencing factors. Future work that expands the study of coping and academic consequences is encouraged due to the high prevalence in the studied group.