Perceived stress and academic concerns among undergraduate medical students during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: In India, the coronavirus pandemic had created a sudden closure of educational institutes which led to the shift of conventional classes to virtual classes.The present study aimed to assess the perceived stress and academic concerns during the COVID 19 lockdown, among the medical students. This cross-sectional study was carried in a government medical college during covid 19 lockdown. It included 590 undergraduate students. A semi-structured online questionnaire on Google forms was constructed and the link was forwarded to all the medical students. Perceived stress scale-4 was used to study the stress among this population. Results: Of the 590 out of 750 students MBBS students, 75%had high level of stress, where-as 25% had low level of stress. Post-lockdown, 287(48.64%) felt that it is best to revert to the old curriculum and mode of teaching. Around 90% i.e., 512 (86.78%) said they were concerned about the loss of clinical and practical experience. Around 50% i.e., 286 (48.47%) felt that returning to the medical college would increase their risk of infection.320 (54.24%) said they were concerned about protective measures. 230 (38.98%) said that their family members were concerned about their risk of exposure and infection and so didn't want them to join.