Aggression is a significant psychological concern among medical sciences students, who often face elevated stress levels due to clinical responsibilities and academic demands. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of aggressive behaviors and examine the demographic and academic predictors of aggression among medical sciences students at Kerman University of Medical Sciences in southeastern Iran. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 578 undergraduate students selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire. Because aggression subscale scores were not normally distributed (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, P < 0.05), non-parametric tests were applied: Mann–Whitney U for two-group comparisons and Kruskal–Wallis H for comparisons across more than two groups. Significant Kruskal–Wallis results were followed by pairwise Mann–Whitney tests with Bonferroni correction. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of total aggression scores, with categorical variables dummy-coded. Regression assumptions (linearity, homoscedasticity, multicollinearity, and independence of errors) were checked and met. All tests were two-tailed, with P < 0.05 considered significant. The highest mean score was observed in the physical aggression dimension. Male students reported significantly higher physical aggression, anger, and hostility, while females scored higher in verbal aggression. Single students had greater physical aggression, anger, and hostility than married peers. Significant differences were found across faculties, with nursing and paramedical students showing the highest aggression scores. Final-year students had higher physical aggression, verbal aggression, and anger than first-year students. Dormitory residents scored higher in anger and hostility. Regression analysis identified male gender, enrollment in clinical faculties, final year of study, and dormitory residence as significant predictors of higher aggression scores. Aggression among medical sciences students is influenced by multiple demographic and academic factors. These findings underscore the need for targeted mental health interventions to reduce aggression and promote psychological well-being in this vulnerable population.
Baloochi et al. (Mon,) studied this question.