Psychological Impact of Coronavirus Disease-2019 Pandemic on Medical Students: Findings from a Cross-sectional Survey

Abstract Background: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted the lives and routines of individuals globally, with medical students facing unique academic, clinical, and psychological challenges. The pandemic amplified stressors such as academic disruption, isolation, and uncertainty about career prospects, significantly affecting their mental health. Aims: To evaluate the prevalence of mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, and identify contributing factors, among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital involving 1 st -, 2 nd -, and 3 rd -year MBBS students. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for anxiety and depression, and evaluated by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7) and patient health questionnaire-9, respectively. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 27 software; descriptive statistics were used to summarize selected variables and Chi-square test was employed to identify the significant associations. Results: The study included 252 respondents aged between 18 and 25 years, with 67.5% being female. Mental health symptoms were prevalent among participants, with 57.10% reporting anxiety and 69.80% experiencing depression; though the majority had a mild level of these symptoms. Significant association was identified between students’ residential location, academic performance, students’ engagement in physical activities, and their level of depression. Conclusions: The study highlights a high prevalence of anxiety and depression, with mild symptoms being most common. It underscores the urgent need of comprehensive, student’s centric support system within medical college and the implementation of targeted mental health interventions including stress management, counseling and mentorship program.