Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical and rehabilitation sciences university students in Saudi Arabia

Evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 on stress and burnout among Ajman university (AU) medical students

This study was conducted at AU to estimate the prevalence of stress and burnout among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to provide insights into the levels of stress and burnout experienced by medical students at AU and identify potential risk factors. The research methodology involved a cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire among 215 College of Medicine AU students. The findings indicated that many participants experienced moderate stress levels, as revealed by data collected on a Likert scale. No significant differences in stress scores were found based on sex, but variations were observed among years of study and living status. An analysis of burnout using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory showed that over half of the participants experienced moderate levels of burnout. No significant differences in burnout were found based on gender, marital status, residence, GPA, motivation for enrolment, or nationality; however, variations were observed among different age groups and years of study. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions and support systems to address stress and burnout among AU students by focusing on the identified risk factors. By implementing evidence-based strategies, AU can promote the well-being and resilience of medical students, thereby contributing to their overall success and the future of the healthcare workforce.

Hours of sleep and associated factors in college students during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

Sleep alterations are common in college students, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sociodemographic factors may predict these alterations in this population.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the sociodemographic factors and health characteristics associated with the number of hours of sleep of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study carried out with 244 university students from a multicampi public university in the State of Bahia, Northeast Brazil. Data collection was performed online and participants answered a specific questionnaire to assess sleep hours, sociodemographic and health variables.

RESULTS

Significant associations were observed between hours of sleep and older students (odds ratio adjusted -ORaj: 3.75; 95% Confidence Interval -CI: 1.81-7.75; p < 0.01), attending the final semesters (ORaj: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.05-3.25; p < 0.03), and who reported having some disease (ORaj: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.05-4.50; p < 0.03) with greater chances of getting less sleep. However, those who used tobacco (ORaj: 0.08; 95% CI: 0.01-0.45; p < 0.001) were likely to have more hours of sleep per night.

CONCLUSION

Sleep restriction was common among participating college students, which has likely intensified due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions. This encourages specific public health actions, contemplating the health and hours of sleep of this population.

Determinants of the mental health status of university students in Japan: comparison between pandemic and recession periods during the 7th wave of COVID-19

Introduction

Although the number of identified coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases and deaths has decreased, the repetitive crest-trough pattern of the spread of COVID-19 has yet to cease. The current situation may affect the mental health status of university students who are distracted in their academic and daily lives by the pandemic. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the determinant factors of the mental health status of Japanese university students before and in the middle of the 7th wave of the pandemic, one of the largest waves to be experienced in Japan.

Method

A survey was administered to two groups of students during the recession period between the 6th and 7th waves (n = 156) and during the 7th wave of the pandemic (n = 97).

Results

T-tests showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups in Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores, while the COVID-19 anxiety scores (p < 0.001) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) scores were significantly higher in the Pandemic period group (p = 0.011). The multiple regression model indicated that PSS scores were the only determinant of GHQ scores in the Pandemic period group.

Discussion

The results indicate that stressful life events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and daily hassles, which are measured by the PSS, affect students' mental health differently. Therefore, the author submits that school counselors should provide counseling to students to reduce anxiety caused by daily hassles, during recession and pandemic periods. Students also require assistance with the reduction of stress and anxiety caused by daily hassles, regardless of the pandemic situation.

Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on depression, perceived stress and hypochondria of frontline dental staff (FDS): A cohort study

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had several mental effects on medical staff.

OBJECTIVE

This study intended to evaluate deviations in Frontline Dental Staff (FDS) depression, perceived stress and hypochondria during the COVID-19 outbreak, and to assess whether the existence of potential risk-factors influenced these symptoms over time.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study surveyed FDS three periods from February 1, 2021 to April 8, 2022. FDSs' mental health was assessed through Beck Depression Inventory, Cohen Perceived Stress and the Evans Self-Illness Questionnaires; multivariate linear regression were used to identify potential factors associated with changes on each outcome (depression, perceived stress and hypochondria) over time. All analyses were performed in STATA ver.14.

RESULTS

In a total of 635 FDS, about 69%, 83%, and 71% reported relative depression, 77%, 87%, and 64% reported moderate to high stress level, and 60%, 76% and 74% reported moderate hypochondriac from first, second, and third survives, respectively. The mean and standard deviation of the variables increased dramatically at second survive (July 17 to October 21, 2021) and decreased again at third survive significantly. Being female, working in public sector, and low socioeconomic level were main predictors of higher levels of depression (p < 0.001) and perceived stress (p < 0.001). Perceived stress was a strong predictor of high-level depression (t  =  7.79, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

FDSs' depression, stress and hypochondria were high and positively associated with being female, working in public-sector, and low socioeconomic level. To increase the effectiveness and decrease work burnout, psychological support should be provided.

Hypochondriasis and self-medication among medical sciences students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A descriptive cross-sectional study in Northwestern Iran

BACKGROUND

Increased fear and anxiety among the general public following the emergence of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to hypochondriasis as well as indiscriminate use of drugs, versus the disease.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was conducted to identify the frequency and causes of self-medication and hypochondriasis among students.

METHODS

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 241 students of different disciplines of Khalkhal University of Medical Sciences in northwestern Iran over a period of six months. SPSS 26 software, Chi-square and Fisher tests were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

The rate of self-medication was calculated 51%. The highest rate of self-medication was in the form of tablets (75.6%) and capsules (28.5%) and the highest type of medication was herbal medicine (59.3%) and multivitamins and complementary drugs (54.5%). The most common cause of self-medication was previous use and the effectiveness of the drug in the past (79.7%). The mean score of hypochondriasis was calculated at 21.52 (11.02) and the majority of students (49.8%) were in the healthy group. There was a statistically significant association between hypochondriasis and self-medication (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Based on the findings, more than half of the participants in the study had self-medication. About 20% of students also experienced mild to moderate hypochondriasis. Therefore, it is suggested that the necessary training and support be provided to deal with the side effects of these two phenomena.

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on weight gain, physical activity and mental health among Turkish university students

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many restrictions that affected Turkey as well as other countries around the world. Restrictions on education, sports activities and social activities affected students physically and psychologically.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on weight gain, physical activity, and mental health among university students.

METHODS

The study included students of Pamukkale University aged between 18-25 years. Participants answered the online survey about changes in body composition and physical activity habits during the pandemic. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess physical activity levels. Beck Depression Scale (BDS) was used to assess the mental health.

RESULTS

848 (546 females, 302 males) students average aged 20,72±1,63 years were included in the study. When the physical activity times before and during the pandemic were compared, a statistically significant difference was found (p < 0.05). Multivariate analyses showed that higher BDS scores (p = 0.000) were significantly associated with increased weight gain. But there was no significant association with age and changes in physical activity time.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the study showed that the COVID-19 pandemic has a negative effect on the physical activity level, weight gain and mental health of university students. Students reported an increase in weight during the pandemic. Also, the increase in depressive symptoms is related to higher levels of weight gain. Therefore, physical activity and mental health programmes should be offered to university students as an educational and health policy.