Impact of Covid-19 on Mental Well-Being of Medical Students

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the detrimental effects of Covid-19 on mental health of medical students' lives and their daily routine besides coping activities. Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The research was carried out in a private medical college of Faisalabad. Its duration was from October 16,2021 to December 31, 2021. Materials and Methods: The sample size was 377. Mental well-being status was assessed by using Kessler's psychological stress scale (K10). The influence of Covid-19 on everyday activities and management methods were also investigated. Consent was taken beforehand. SPSS 25 was used to analyse the data. The 95% confidence interval was chosen, with a margin of error of 5%. Results: According to psychological stress score, more than half of the students (52.3%) were likely to have a severe condition, with 86 (22.8%) having a moderate issue, 59 (15.6%) having a light disorder, and only 35 (9.3%) being healthy. Most of the medical students i.e., 160 (42.4%) chose exercise and fitness as measures to improve their mental well-being. Significant relationship was found between age groups and concerns related to Covid-19, coping activities, and distress (p = 0.00); gender and concerns related to Covid-19 (p = 0.00), coping activities (p = 0.00) and distress (p = 0.001); class year and concerns related to Covid-19, coping activities, and distress (p = 0.00). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of medical students, with a notable increase in reported psychological distress. It is recommended that actions are needed to alleviate student stress, which can have several harmful implications.