IS THERE ANY IMPACT OF DEMOGRAPHIC, PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH, AND SOCIAL SUPPORT ON THE MEDICAL STUDENT’S QUALITY OF LIFE DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC?

Abstract

The Indonesian government implemented a policy called as the Enforcement of Limitations on Community Activities in response to the increasing risk of SARS CoV-2 transmission. As a result, medical students are dealing with a number of issues that lower their quality of life. This study aims to determine the factors associated with the quality of life of medical faculty students during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study is a cross sectional design. The subjects were medical students who were undergoing pre-clinical and clinical education. Data collection was carried out using an online questionnaire in Google Form. Quality of life was examined using the WHOQOL-BREF, whereas depression, stress, and anxiety were examined using the DASS-21, and social support was examined using the MSPSS. Univariate and bivariate chi-square analysis were both used in the study. From 300 students, 122 students (40.7%) had families with chronic diseases, 130 students (43.3%) had families with reduced income, 190 students and family (63.3%) had a confirmed history of COVID-19, 83 students (27%) experienced stress, 145 students (48%) experienced anxiety, 125 students (42%) experienced depression, and 16 students (5.3%) had low social support. The results of the statistical analysis showed an association between chronic disease (p<0.05), family income (p<0.001), stress (p<0.05), anxiety (p<0.001), depression (p=<0.001), and social support (p=<0.001) with QOL. Medical students' lower quality of life is correlated with social support, psychological issues, and demographic characteristics. More consideration should be given to medical students with significant risk factors for poorer quality of life.