Long-term psychological effect on medical students during covid 19 pandemic

Abstract

Objectives: To know the prevalence of psychological disorders and the level of burnout among Ain Shams University medical students.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Ain Shams University recruiting medical students from grades 1 to 6 facing the multiple stressors' COVID-19 pandemic. Data recorded for the recruited medical students assessed sociodemographic characters, psychological aspects, and the level of burnout during quarantine via a highly validated online questionnaire. After excluding the participants who don’t include all-inclusive criteria, 210 students (87 men and123 female) fulfilled the questionnaire.

Results: Most of the students are females (58.6%) aged from 20 to 25 years (59.5%). We found in terms of exhaustion, the majority of ASU medical students were burnout during the pandemic whether it was frequent, sometimes, or rarely felt. Working with other people was the most stressful condition causing strain and stress among our populations. According to Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, feeling nervous and so sad that nothing could cheer you up were the most frequent answers.According to the ISS scale, numbing of responsiveness, avoidance of feelings are the most characteristic answers. Although most students are irritable and angry, but they tried not to think about it, and tried to remove it from their memory. Although they have dreams about it, they arewatchful or on guard.

Conclusion: The pandemic of COVID-19 has an impact on the mental health of ASU medical students, creating some degree of emotional exhaustion, and psychological stress.