The Factors That Influenced Medical Students' Decision to Work Within the NHS During the COVID-19 Pandemic-A National, Cross-sectional Study.

Abstract

Medical students across the United Kingdom helped the National Health Service (NHS) with the increased workload caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was conducted to better understand the implications of COVID-19 on the intricate relationship between the psychological wellbeing of students and working within the NHS. This was a cross-sectional, national UK study analyzing the self-reported pandemic anxiety scale (PAS) of participants during the pandemic, using an online questionnaire. 25.2% of participants worked within the NHS. Working significantly reduced anxiety levels of participants. Concerns around the training and information provided on personal protective equipment (PPE) (odds ratio [OR] 2.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] OR: 1.93, 3.43) (P < 0.001) and Ethnicity (OR 2.15, 95% CI OR: 1.54, 2.99) (P < 0.001) were the most significant covariates affecting the likelihood of working. Working during the pandemic was influenced by age, ethnicity, and information surrounding PPE. On average those who worked experienced less anxiety and were more cheerful and energetic.