Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Psychiatry, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
2 Department of Psychiatry, Kanachur Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The COVID‑19 pandemic has negatively impacted the mental health of health‑care
workers worldwide. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychological distress in medical
interns during the pandemic and examine the factors influencing it.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional online survey was conducted using snowball
sampling among 764 medical interns across India, who were evaluated using the Kessler
Psychological Distress Scale, Fear of COVID‑19 Scale, and semi‑structured questionnaires. Univariate
analysis was done using Chi‑square test, unpaired t‑test, and ANOVA, while multivariate analysis
was conducted using binary logistic regression.
RESULTS: 57.5% of the interns reported psychological distress, with 39.8% having moderate‑to‑severe
distress. Past consultation with a mental health professional (odds ratio [OR]: 2.15; 95% confidence
interval [CI]: 1.42–3.26) and perceived lack of support from friends (OR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.33–3.99)
and faculty (OR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.41–3.28) were the most significant predictors of distress. Fear
of COVID‑19 was higher in interns who were female, were medically ill, were dissatisfied with the
pandemic preparedness at the hospital, and perceived the faculty to be less approachable and
supportive. Majority of the interns felt that the pandemic had hampered their learning and were
worried about an extension to their internship and their performance in the postgraduate entrance
examinations.
CONCLUSIONS: Psychological distress was highly prevalent among interns, with several workplaces
and personal factors affecting the distress levels. Most interns perceived a negative impact of the
pandemic on their learning and career. Addressing these issues could help alleviate the distress
and bolster the mental health of interns.
Keywords
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