International Brazilian Journal of Urology (Jul 2021)

Impact of COVID-19 on education, health and lifestyle behaviour of Brazilian urology residents

  • José Antonio Prezotti,
  • João Victor T. Henriques,
  • Luciano A. Favorito,
  • Alfredo F. Canalini,
  • Marcos G. Machado,
  • Thulio B. V. Brandão,
  • Akemi M. V. Barbosa,
  • Julyana K. M. Moromizato,
  • Karin M. J. Anzolch,
  • Roni de C. Fernandes,
  • Fransber R. A. Rodrigues,
  • Carlos H. S. Bellucci,
  • Caroline S. Silva,
  • Antonio Carlos L. Pompeo,
  • Jose de Bessa Jr.,
  • Cristiano M. Gomes

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/s1677-5538.ibju.2021.99.09
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 47, no. 4
pp. 753 – 776

Abstract

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ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on clinical and surgical practice, educational activities, health and lifestyle behavior of Brazilian urology residents. Materials and Methods: A web-based survey was sent to 468 Brazilian urology residents from postgraduate years (PGY) 3 to 5 to collect data on clinical practice and training after 4 months of COVID-19. We also assessed health-related and behavior changes, rate of infection by SARS-CoV-2, deployment to the front line of COVID-19, residents’ concerns, and access to personal protective equipment (PPE). Results: Massive reductions in elective and emergency patient consultations, diagnostic procedures and surgeries were reported across the country, affecting PGY 3 to 5 alike. Most in-person educational activities were abolished. The median damage to the urological training expected for 2020 was 6.0 [3.4 – 7.7], on a scale from 0 to 10, with senior residents estimating a greater damage (P< 0.001). Educational interventions developed included online case-based discussions, subspeciality conferences and lectures, and grand rounds. Most senior residents favored extending residency to compensate for training loss and most younger residents favored no additional training (p< 0.001). Modifications in health and lifestyle included weight gain (43.8%), reduced physical activity (68.6%), increased alcoholic intake (44.9%) and cigarette consumption (53.6%), worsening of sexual life (25.2%) and feelings of sadness or depression (48,2%). Almost half were summoned to work on the COVID-19 front-line and 24.4% had COVID-19. Most residents had inadequate training to deal with COVID-19 patients and most reported a shortage of PPE. Residents’ concerns included the risk of contaminating family members, being away from residency program, developing severe COVID-19 and overloading colleagues. Conclusions: COVID-19 had a massive impact in Brazilian urology residents´ training, health and lifestyle behavior, which may reflect what happened in other medical specialties. Studies should confirm these findings to help developing strategies to mitigate residents’ losses.

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