Mental Health Status, Coping Strategies During Covid-19 Pandemic Among Undergraduate Students of Healthcare Profession

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of psychological distress, associated lifestyle behaviors, and associated coping strategies among the students of healthcare profession. A total of 588 medical, dental, and nursing students studying in institutes of health sciences, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, India participated in this cross-sectional online survey during September–October, 2020. A semi-structured questionnaire, DASS-21questionnaire, and Brief COPE were used to collect relevant information. The proportion of students experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress was 26.2%, 27.7%, and 9.7%, respectively. Body mass index, presence of comorbidity, and soft drink consumption were significantly associated with psychological distress. Students experiencing psychological distress were applying emotion-focused coping behaviors (venting, acceptance, self-blame, substance use, religion) and avoidant coping behaviors (self-distraction, behavioral disengagement, denial). The prevalence of psychological distress among the students of health profession studying in KIIT University of Bhubaneswar during the period of Covid-19 pandemic is low and it can be further lowered by designing appropriate interventions incorporating healthy lifestyle behaviors and suitable coping strategies thereby ensuring sound mental health of these students.

The Future Looks Good: Examining the Associations Between Coping, Psychological Distress, and Optimism

“…Nonetheless, these psychological stress dimensions were positively and significantly associated with maladaptive coping. In consistency with our results, previous studies have shown that individuals with mood disorders used significantly more maladaptive coping strategies in workers during COVID-19 lockdown ( Mishra et al, 2021 ; Salazar et al, 2021 ) and after ( Almeida et al, 2021 ). Our results and these studies support our hypothesis that, as individuals experience feelings of self-doubt, severe despondency, and sadness, tend to void situations, events, damaging self-development, restricting growth, and failing to experience well-being.…”

“…Past research shows that psychological distress experienced in the work context may be negatively related to well-being and quality of life and these findings have been observed in a variety of work activities during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, such as health caregivers ( Lenzo et al, 2021 ), undergraduate students ( Mishra et al, 2021 ), and teaching and administration personnel ( Salazar et al, 2021 ).…”

“Appreciate the Little Things”: A Qualitative Survey of Men’s Coping Strategies and Mental Health Impacts During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…While coping via screen time likely afforded participants’ short-term relief, there is evidence that engaging in distraction-oriented coping is associated with higher levels of stress and depression ( Gurvich et al, 2021 ). Indeed, pandemic-era research has exposed links between elevated screen time and heightened anxiety symptoms among undergraduates ( Mishra et al, 2021 ). In addition, Pandya and Lodha (2021) discussed the proliferation of screen time behaviors in COVID-19 given digital communication represents the main viable means of maintaining a sense of connection when under societal lockdown.…”

Mental health status of students during coronavirus pandemic outbreak: A cross-sectional study

“…Admission to university causes a change in social, family and individual life of students and is therefore a highly sensitive period. Students are vulnerable to depression, anxiety and stress due to factors such as curriculum structure, the need to meet academic requirements, frequent exams, high functional stress, fear of failure, learning environment, lack of time to take care of themselves and communicate with family and friends [ 14 , 15 ]. In addition to the fact that entering university and changing the environment and lifestyle are stressful for students by themselves, the outbreak of COVID-19 has made the situation more difficult for students and has psychologically damaged them.…”

“…In a study conducted by Ghafari et al during the COVID-19 pandemic in an Iranian university, it was found that 11.4%, 16.1% and 27.5% of students suffer from suicidal ideation, severe depression, and high levels of anxiety, respectively [ 19 ]. Given the importance of students' mental health, especially during the outbreak of COVID-19, there is an urgent need to assess and monitor the unprecedented burden of mental health on them [ 14 , 20 ], which could prevent the consequences of mental health by addressing the root cause of the problem and implementing effective prevention programs [ 20 ].…”