Psychological Status of Medical Post Graduates During Covid19 in Northern India: A Questionnaire Survey

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate knowledge, attitude and practice of medical students towards the pandemic and to assess its psychological impact on them to provide future guidance.COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a strong impact on students’ wellbeing, with associated uncertainty about the future. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess the psychological effects of COVID-19 on the medical students.

Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted via a web-based survey from May 07,2020 till May17 2020 among final year medical and physiotherapy students. medical students. The 20-questions survey questionnaire was based on rating-scale items to focus on psychological symptoms, institutional preparedness for such crisis and confidence in becoming a future doctor. Descriptive statistics were calculated using Multivariate regression analysis.

Results:Majority of participants(n=1853/2771,66.9%)were female.Despite timely closure of institutes,delay in the start of the online teaching was significantly correlated with the depressive symptoms.A significant percentage of student (n=1694,61.1%)wanted a delay in exit exams due to intimidation.A similar portions of students also lost confidence to be competent doctor in  future which was positively associated with male gender.

Conclusion: Our study shows that COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant psychological influence on the medical students. Despite a stressful crisis, medical students are still willing to serve the community. In addition to supporting their emotions and psychological wellbeing, stress counselling, and transforming current medical curricula is crucial to pursue ceaseless medical education and to become a safe future