Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Psychosocial Coping Strategies in Health Sciences Students at the University of Seville: A Pilot Study.

Rocío De-Diego-Cordero,Ana-Magdalena Vargas-Martínez,Cristina Martínez-Del-Carmen,Patricia Bonilla Sierra

doi:10.3390/healthcare9121661

Rocío De-Diego-Cordero, Ana-Magdalena Vargas-Martínez + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9121661

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Abstract

The new infection by coronavirus has supposed a challenge to all health systems worldwide, affecting our psychosocial health. Education as we knew it has changed, which is why university students, attending Health Sciences courses in this case, have been affected by the pandemic. This study aimed to analyze the impact of the preventative measures and restrictions associated with COVID-19 on multiple mental health and psychological well-being indicators in Health Sciences students at the University of Seville. A descriptive and cross-sectional pilot study in the University of Seville by means of an online questionnaire elaborated was conducted. Of the final sample (n = 68), more than 60% of the students acknowledged having received specific training by their university and/or health institution where they perform practices on COVID-19 measures; however, they negatively emphasized not having received psychosocial aid or support in most of the cases (94.12%). As the health situation imposed by COVID-19 is considered long-lasting, the proposal is to plan short- and long-term strategies for promotion and intervention in the mental health of students and future health care workers.

Highlights

Declaration of the pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11 March2020 [1], caused by the new coronavirus, put the entire world out of control
Regarding the data related to the COVID-19 pandemic and to the Health Sciences students’ experience, it is noted that more than 60% of them acknowledged having received specific training on this topic by their university and/or health institution where they perform their practices
In relation to having family members and/or close friends who are at risk of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis or who have died due to diseases related to a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, 21 (30.88%) and 15 (22.06%)

Summary

Introduction

2020 [1], caused by the new coronavirus, put the entire world out of control Both science and the health systems burst, the world economy collapsed, and the enormous vulnerability and fragility of mankind was revealed, in particular of those who act in the front line against this virus, including health care professionals and students attending courses in these sciences. In Spain, the state of alarm was declared on 14 March 2020, through Royal Decree No. 463/2020 [2], which included severe confinement, quarantine, and social isolation measures, with the implementation of actions to limit the virus’ spread given the high morbidity and mortality it was causing at the time. Little is known about the impact and psychosocial coping strategies of Health Sciences students, who are exposed to the pandemic situation and to work-related stress, high mental burden, professional strain, moral distress, and compassion fatigue or secondary traumatic stress [6]

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