COVID-19 pandemic's impact on French Health Students: A cross-sectional study during the third wave

Abstract

BackgroundCOVID19 pandemic had a huge impact on global mental health. Health students, because of their age and status, are a more at-risk population. National survey during the first wave already found high levels of psychological distress. ObjectiveThis nationwide study aimed to assess health's student mental health during the third wave in France. MethodsWe did an online national cross-sectional study, which addressed all health students from April 4th to May 11th 2021. The questionnaire included sociodemographic and work conditions questions, Kessler 6 scale, and numeric scales. Results16,937 students answered, including 54% nurse and 16% medical students. Regarding K6 scale, 14% have moderate (8–12) and 83% high (≥13) level of psychological distress. In multivariate analysis, being a man (OR = 0.54, 95% CI [0.48; 0.60], p < 0.001) and not living alone (OR = 0.71, 95% CI [0.62; 0.82], p < 0.001), are associated with a reduced risk of psychological distress. Not having the ability to isolate themselves (OR = 1.58, 95% CI [1.39; 1.81], p < 0.001), and having low (OR = 2.31, 95% CI [2.08; 2.56], p < 0.001) or important (OR = 4.58, 95% CI [3.98; 5.29], p < 0.001) financial difficulties are associated with an increased risk of psychological distress. LimitationsThe response rate was low regarding the target population (300,000 health students). ConclusionCompared to the first national survey, we noticed mental health deterioration. Psychological distress (83% high level versus 21%), substance use (21% versus 13%), and psychotropic treatment use (18% versus 7.3%) hugely increased. These results highlighted the need to increase support actions for health students.