Psychology Research and Behavior Management (Jun 2024)
Psychological Responses of Chinese Medical Students to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Empirical Research Qualitative
Abstract
Siyu Fan,1,* Yu Zhao,1,* Shiyu Wang,1,* Na Zhang,1,* Zhi Li,1,* Hongyuan Liu,1 Yaodi Wei,1 Yunhui Yu,1 Yifeng Gu,2 Qun Wei,3 Weijuan Ye,4 Ninghan Feng,5 Fengping Liu1 1Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China; 2Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Surgical Oncology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China; 4Lishui Maternal and Child Health center, Lishui, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Urology, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Ninghan Feng, Department of Urology, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214002, People’s Republic of China, Email [email protected] Fengping Liu, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, People’s Republic of China, Email [email protected]: This study aims to explore the psychological reactions of medical students during the pandemic.Design: A qualitative study.Methods: A purposive sampling technique was employed, and a qualitative approach was adopted. Semi-structured questionnaires were utilized, and online interviews were conducted. Forty medical students were selected as participants for the interviews. The interview data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step analysis method.Results: The study identified five themes related to the psychological reactions of medical students during the pandemic. Firstly, COVID-19’s influence on medical careers was characterized by increased interest and determination in pursuing medical professions, heightened admiration for frontline workers, reinforced commitment to a medical career due to the pandemic, and recognition of the significance of medical education. Secondly, challenges and concerns in medical career pursuit were identified, including negative sentiments towards medical careers during COVID-19 and hesitations and concerns about entering the medical field amidst the pandemic. Thirdly, the impact on mental well-being encompassed diverse anxieties expressed by participants regarding control, transmission, treatment, and intentional spreading of the virus. Participants experienced an emotional progression from calmness to fear and anxiety, with heightened anxiety when relatives or acquaintances contracted COVID-19. Academic delays also contributed to anxiety among medical students. Fourthly, changes in behaviors and mindset were observed, including altered behaviors and mindset in response to the pandemic, as well as increased attention to personal hygiene and disease prevention measures. Lastly, expectations of medical students from government, public, and parents were explored.Conclusion: Understanding the psychological reactions of medical students during public health emergencies is crucial for their well-being and professional development. The findings have implications for medical education and the development of strategies to enhance the psychological well-being of medical students during similar crises.Keywords: COVID-19, medical students, psychological reactions, pandemic, mental health
