Medical students’ knowledge of the disease, frequency of depression, anxiety, stress symptoms, and related factors in the COVID-19 pandemic: A web-based questionnaire

Abstract

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to determine the level of knowledge of medical students about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), to investigate the frequency of depression, anxiety, stress symptoms and related factors. Materials and Methods: The study is a cross-sectional study conducted with 904 volunteer medical students. Data were collected with an online questionnaire, including sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge about COVID-19, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale. Results: Mean age was 21.3±2.2 years, and 54% of them (n=488) were female. Fifty five percent (n=497) thought that their level of knowledge about COVID-19 was sufficient, and 94.6% (n=846) were concerned about the disruption of their education. Their knowledge level was found to be 15.09±2.43 points out of 23 points. The depression, anxiety and stress symptoms were found in 64.9%, 70.4% and 34.1% of participants, respectively. The risk of anxiety (OR=0.51, 95%CI=0.94, p=0.020) and depression (OR=0.95, 95%CI=1.15, p=0.025) were higher in women. Those with a high fear of transmitting the COVID-19 infection to their relatives had higher symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. (p<0.001). Conclusion: Medical students have a good knowledge level of COVID-19. However, they experience high levels of anxiety, stress and depression symptoms; and concerned about the disruption of their education.