Psychological Impact and Its Correlates Following COVID-19 Pandemic Among Medical Students

Abstract

Background: The continuous spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, home quarantine, strict isolation measures and delays in opening educational institutions across the country is expected to influence the mental health of college students. The aim of our study is to assess the psychological impact and its correlates following the COVID-19 lockdown period, among the MBBS exam going students of a private medical college, Puducherry. Methods: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study was conducted among Undergraduate students in a private medical college of Puducherry between January-March 2021. Around 204 exam going students from Pre-final and Final year MBBS were enrolled in the study with their consent. Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among the study participants following the COVID 19 lockdown period was assessed using Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS 21). Data was captured and Spearman`s correlation, Ordinal logistics regression was applied to find the predictors of Depression, Anxiety and Stress. Results: Among 204 study participants, the distribution was almost equal between Pre-Final (52%) and Final year (48%) MBBS students. Prevalence of Stress, Anxiety and Depression among students was found to be 38.2%, 52.8% and 48% respectively. Practicing regular physical activity, history of contact with COVID19 patients, year of MBBS were found to be predictors of Stress, Anxiety and Depression. It was also found that Stress level increases with increase in age. Conclusion: Around half of the study participants have either of the psychological impact following COVID 19 lockdown period that may adversely affect their performance in university exams. Still, there is a scope of further research that could be planned by applying interventions to improve the mental health status of the students.