COVID-19 and the mental well-being of Australian medical students: impact, concerns and coping strategies used

Abstract

Objective: Medical students are vulnerable to poor mental well-being. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted student life and had significant effects on curricula delivery at medical schools around Australia. The study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on medical student mental well-being, assess concerns and determine activities used by students to help with the situation. Method: An online cross-sectional survey was designed. Questions focused on concerns and impact of COVID-19. The Kessler-10 (K10) measured psychological distress. Results: Two hundred and ninety-seven students participated with a 37.5% response rate. Mean K10 score was 20.6 indicating moderate psychological distress. There were no significant differences in K10 mean score or distress level (low, moderate, high, very high) between students in different years of the medical course. Deterioration in mental well-being since COVID-19 onset was reported by 68% students. Main negative impacts were on social connectedness, studies and stress levels. Concerns related to uncertainty about returning to normal and graduation. Common activities were using video chats, social media, exercise and hobbies. Conclusions: The impact of COVID-19 on mental well-being has led to legitimate concerns by students regarding their studies and progress through the medical course. We hope to minimise these disruptions, and reassure and support students to ensure that academic goals are achieved.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice About Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic and Its Psychological Impact on Students and Their Studies: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Pharmacy Students in Saudi Arabia

“…The response rate of 50.43% was comparable to other studies conducted during the pandemic on this topic. 54 , 78 Pharmacy students appeared to have good knowledge about the current pandemic with 82% having appropriate knowledge, and for most knowledge items, the vast majority of students gave correct answers. This is encouraging especially with the survey being conducted in the early stage of the pandemic in Saudi Arabia, and that it is consistent with other studies showing university students had good knowledge of the pandemic.…”

“… 77 A study with medical students from Australia also showed that 81% of students were concerned about the impact of the pandemic on their studies. 78 The high rates could be due to several factors. These include the abrupt shift to online distance learning and assessments, major changes in living environments/conditions, increased social isolation/less interaction at the campus, as well as increased emotional and psychological distress.…”

Music Listening Predicted Improved Life Satisfaction in University Students During Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The target population for this work was university students, a group for whom the COVID-19 pandemic changed many areas of life. Students were required to adapt to new learning environments, change their peer interactions, cope with financial stressors (e.g., loss of employment), and address concerns about family health ( Lyons et al, 2020 ; Zhao et al, 2020 ). The psychological well-being of university student cohorts around the world decreased in the early stages of COVID-19 ( Idowu et al, 2020 ), with research showing a negative impact of the pandemic on students’ social connectedness ( Lyons et al, 2020 ), stress, and anxiety ( Kobbin et al, 2020 ; Lyons et al, 2020 ; Odriozola-González et al, 2020 ; Savitsky et al, 2020 ; Son et al, 2020 ; Sundarasen et al, 2020 ).…”

Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Mental Health of Medical Students of Rawalpindi Medical University: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…This study also placed more students in the "very high" distress category, as compared to other studies. 8 This is likely due to the female gender being associated with higher levels of anxiety and stress, resulting in more inferior mental health status during the pandemic. 19 During this global pandemic, we have witnessed permanent closures of several businesses and firms that have led to a severe downfall in the economy.…”

“…7 According to a study conducted on Australian Medical students, 68% reported a decline in mental health due to COVID-19 pandemic. 8 One quarter of medical students showed symptoms of depression (during COVID-19 pandemic) in a study carried out on Saudi medical students. 9 Another study conducted on US college students reported that 91% students showed an increase in stress and anxiety due to fear from COVID-19.…”