Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of medical students (DASS-21)

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic, declared by the World Health Organization in March 2020, has brought with it a series of unprecedented challenges for global society. In addition to the direct physical health implications, the psychological and emotional consequences of the pandemic have been of growing concern. Medical students find themselves in a unique position, being on the front line of the fight against the virus and, at the same time, facing academic and clinical pressures. This scenario may have increased the risk of mental health problems in this group. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress among medical students following the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale) questionnaire was used to identify the risk of depression, anxiety and stress among medical students at the Campos Medical School. Results”: Among 143 responses from Campos Medical School students, 62.2% were women and 37.8% were men. The average age was 21.76±3.1 years. About the DASS-21 questionnaire, it was observed that the three variables assessed, stress, anxiety and depression, showed: Anxiety - 44% normal and 56% presenting some degree of anxiety. With regard to depression, 50.35% were normal and 49.65% had some degree of depression. As for stress, 31.47% were normal and 68.55% had some degree of stress. Conclusion: The pandemic has intensified mental health problems in medical students, and most of them have some degree of anxiety, depression and stress. These data highlight the urgent need for psychological support interventions for this group.