Mental health of medical students during corona virus disease-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Context: Human population is afflicted with Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic for last more than 1 year. Various measures were taken and restrictions were imposed by countries to break the chain of infection and to control this pandemic. Medical education has conventionally been considered challenging. Adding to it; hassles in teaching and fears and uncertainty about COVID-19 adversely affected the mental health of medical students during this pandemic. Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the mental health of undergraduate medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional online survey was carried out on medical undergraduate students of Western Rajasthan using Google Form. Informed consent (online) was taken before enrolment for study. Materials and Methods: The students were sent the link to respond to the Google Form, which comprised questions seeking demographic details and items from depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21). Statistical Analysis Used: Frequencies and mean scores of depression, anxiety, and stress components of the DASS-21 scale were computed for the severity of scale according to the guidelines. The sociodemographic reasons predisposing the students to depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed using the Chi-square test. Statistical significance was set apriori at P < 0.05. Results: About 32.3% of the participants reported moderate-to-extremely severe depression, 41.5% reported moderate-to-extremely severe anxiety; while 11.6% reported moderate-to-extremely severe stress. Participants in the higher age group, younger batch, and urban residents were more likely to have depression. On the other hand, participants in higher age groups and females were more likely to have anxiety. Stress was found statistically higher in females and younger batch students. Conclusion: Students are facing challenging times and need to adapt to newer ways of distance education. Efficient time management, e-learning skills, following COVID norms, and getting vaccinated timely are the need of the hour for medical students. They should be provided regular psychological counseling and guidance to deal with stressful situations to prevent any untoward incidences.