Document Type : Original Article
Authors
- . Amit Kumar Shreevastava
- . Manisha Mavai 1
- . Pragati Sheel Mittal 2
- . Ranjana Verma 2
- . Daljit Kaur 3
- . Bharti Bhandari 4
1 Department of Physiology, Government Medical College, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, India
2 Department of Anatomy, Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
3 Department of Transfusion Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raibareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
4 Department of Physiology, Government Institute of Medical Sciences, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Medical students who are prone to psychological stress due to their overburdened
curriculum, are at an increased risk of getting adversely affected by the pandemic. The present study
was planned to assess the anxiety level among undergraduate medical students across the country
using generalized anxiety disorder scale (GAD‑7).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this online survey, anonymous data was collected through Google
forms from undergraduate students from all the phases of MBBS course across the country from
August 15, 2020, to October 15, 2020. Section I collected various demographic information, section
II included GAD‑7 questionnaire for assessing anxiety and section III had open‑ ended questions
about their impending fear, uncertainties, and apprehensions. The data was expressed in percentage
and association among the variables was determined using Chi‑square test. Thematic analysis of
the open‑ended responses was done.
RESULTS: Among the sample of 1208 students, 81% were from urban areas. During the pandemic,
77% were residing with their parents and 71% parents having stable jobs. Eighty percent students had
no relative diagnosed with COVID‑19, whereas 52% students had family members with comorbidity.
The GAP score showed mild, moderate, and severe anxiety in 27, 24, and 16% students, respectively.
Anxiety was significantly associated with rural setting and with COVID‑19 positive or comorbid family
member (P < 0.05). Open ended responses revealed that majority of the students were finding it
difficult to cope with the academic stress at home but still did not want to join back.
CONCLUSION: With such a high incidence of anxiety among medical students, it is pertinent to
safeguard the mental health and implement efficient approaches to upkeep the scholastic, physical,
emotional, and professional well‑being of medical students during such vulnerable times.
Keywords
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