BACKGROUND: Medical students and other people with knowledge about health and disease are often thought to have more anxiety about their health than others. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 80 medical students and 100 law students were asked to fill in a questionnaire designed to identify higher disease anxiety (Whiteley Index). A high total score on the Whiteley Index indicates high disease anxiety. 62 medical students (78%) and 70 law students (70%) returned the questionnaire in an anonymous form. RESULTS: Medical students had lower total score compared with law students (p < 0.01). One medical student and six law students had a total score susceptible of hypochondriasis. Male students had a non-significantly higher mean total score than female students. Those with depressive mood (n = 5), had higher total score than the others (p < 0.01.) Those who had experienced disease in their family (n = 83) tended to have lower total score. INTERPRETATION: Medical students have less disease anxiety than law students, contrary to what is often believed.
BACKGROUND: Medical students and other people with knowledge about health and disease are often thought to have more anxiety about their health than others. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 80 medical students and 100 law students were asked to fill in a questionnaire designed to identify higher disease anxiety (Whiteley Index). A high total score on the Whiteley Index indicates high disease anxiety. 62 medical students (78%) and 70 law students (70%) returned the questionnaire in an anonymous form. RESULTS: Medical students had lower total score compared with law students (p < 0.01). One medical student and six law students had a total score susceptible of hypochondriasis. Male students had a non-significantly higher mean total score than female students. Those with depressive mood (n = 5), had higher total score than the others (p < 0.01.) Those who had experienced disease in their family (n = 83) tended to have lower total score. INTERPRETATION: Medical students have less disease anxiety than law students, contrary to what is often believed.