OBJECTIVE: To describe the criteria used in forming groups during medical internship and the students' evaluation of group relations, including analysis of the associated variables. METHOD: Cross-sectional study using self-completed questionnaires consisting of questions on socio-demographic data, self-rating of academic performance, selection criteria, and satisfaction with the group of interns. Psychological distress was assessed based on the Self-Report Questionnaire. The chi-square test and logistic regression were used for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Response rate among interns was over 90%. The majority of the students used criteria related to the social network (82.6%) and reported satisfaction with their groups (81.2%). After multivariate analysis, only "good or excellent" self-evaluated academic performance and selection criteria related to the support network remained associated with group satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Although internship is a stage of professional training, in this study students chose each other based on reasons related to social networking. Given that teamwork is inherent to the medical profession, strategies should be created during the course to help students overcome their difficulties with group relations in order to reduce stress and improve training.
Education, Medical; Stress, Psychological; Students, Medical; Internship and Residency
