<![CDATA[Emotional stress is a psychological reaction due to a stressor (internal or external) that can be detrimental or not always, which activates a fight or flight response. Stress also occurs due to a discrepancy between the id, ego, and superego. The COVID-19 pandemic was an external aggravating factor for college freshman-year life students since they are facing a transitional period of learning to be online, so they have to adapt to it. The study aimed to determine the emotional stress risk factor for medical students at Andalas University in the first year of class 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study conducts a descriptive observational using quantitative methods with a cross-sectional design involving first-year medical students from the class of 2020 at Andalas University. Respondents were assigned to fill out DASS-42 and Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale for Youth instruments. The result of this research showed that a total of 74 students (32,9%) suffered from stress. The stress risk factor was the academic (69 students). Factors that exacerbate academic stress were the death of a family member/other family members/spouse/close friend. Then, factors that relieve academic stress were vacations. The correlation between stress levels and risk factors is not significant (p value>0,05), (OR 95% CI <1). In conclusion, academic stressor is the main emotional stress risk factor in first-year medical students of the class of 2020 at Andalas University during the COVID-19 pandemic.]]>
