Psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on medical students of Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

Background: Medical students are the most affected psychologicallyduring COVID-19 pandemic in India. Psychological impact (depression, anxiety and stress) were mild to severe in nature. Objectives: Objective of the current study is the assessmentof psychological impact of COVID-19pandemic on medical students of Madhya Pradesh, India. Patients and methods: A cross section web based online survey was used for data collection in different medical colleges of Madhya Pradesh. Socio-demographic, COVID-19 related questionnaires and DASS (Depression, anxiety and stress) scale wereused for determining the degree of depression, anxiety and stress among medical students. Data was analyzed statically using SPSS 22 and Chi-Square test. Results:A total of 717 medical students of different medical colleges of Madhya Pradesh participate in this survey. Psychological impact (depression, anxiety and stress score)was observed in 34 to 47 % ranging from mild to severe in nature.Depression and anxiety was found in 46.7% of patients and stress in 34.3%.Female participants have more psychological impact than male. Conclusions: COVID-19 pandemic significantly impact the mental health of the medical students.

Keywords

• covid-19 pandemic; depression; anxiety; stress; psychological impact