The Impact of Covid-19 on Medical Students: A Cross Sectional Survey
Rakesh Kumar, Haresh Kumar, Rakhi Kumari, Jawed Dars, Shahzaib Qureshi, M. Ameer Hamza, Ameer B Khoso, Syed M Mubeen
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ABSTRACT
Aim: To
understand the psychological impact of COVID – 19 on Medical Students of a
private sector Medical University in Karachi, Pakistan.
Method: This
cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students studying at Hamdard
College of Medicine and Dentistry, Karachi, Pakistan. The data collection was
done through online survey from July 2020 to December 2020. The study aimed to gather data from
many medical students. A total number of 420 students were participated from
Hamdard College of Medicine and Dentistry in Karachi, Pakistan. The
participants were selected from all years of MBBS and BDS programs .
Results: Out of
420 participants, 236 (56.2%) were male and 184 (43.8%) female, with a
male:female ration of 1.28:1. Majority of participants were single as 411
(97.9%), of 224 (53.3%) students living with their family, 150 (35.7%) in
hostel and 46 (11%) living with friends. In our sample 369 (87.9%) students
studying in MBBS program while only 51 (12.1%) BDS, among those 80 (19%)
medical students were in first year, followed by 122 (29%) second year, 65
(15.5%) third year, 54 (12.9%) fourth year and 99 (23.6%) studying in final
year. IES-R scale and results shows 75 (17.9%) reported that PTSD is a clinical
concern, probable diagnosis of PTSD 28 (6.7%) and majority rated as high enough
to PTSD 133 (31.7%). Impact of event (revised) scale shows significant
association with age and year of study with p value 0.026 and 0.002 respectively.
Based on the PHQ9 scale, Gender, Living arrangements and the program enrolled
in were reported significant association with depression p values 0.059, 0.008
and 0.006 respectively.
Conclusion: Findings suggests high rate of anxiety, depression, and signs of PTSD in
medical students due to COVID-19 which needs pressing attention and provision
of professional help from mental health practitioners.
Keywords: Impact,
Covid-19, Medical students