Magnitude of Psychological Distress among Medical and Non-medical Students during the Late Phase of COVID-19 Pandemic in West Bengal: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundCOVID-19 led to drastic changes worldwide which has affected mental health especially, of the vulnerable student population.AimThis study aimed to assess psychological distress due to COVID-19 in students during the late phase of pandemic and to establish correlation of academic course, socio-demographics and knowledge-attitude-practices (KAP) with depression and anxiety.Settings and DesignIt was an online cross-sectional survey conducted in March-April 2022 among wmedical and non-medical students of Kolkata.Materials and methodsSurvey questionnaire was circulated via Google forms through social media. It included Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Fear of COVID-19 scale 2020, KAP regarding COVID-19 and socio-demographics.Statistical analysis usedData was analysed using appropriate statistical methods in Statistical Package for Social Science (Version 22.0) and EpiInfo. P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsMild to severe depression was reported among 29.4% of non-medical and 42.5% of medical students. One fourth (25.68%) of non-medical and 39.67% of medical students had mild to severe anxiety. MBBS participants had significantly better scores for knowledge and attitude (p=0.000 in both). Depression was higher in those with previous history of psychiatric illness (p=0.015). Anxiety was influenced by residence (p=0.003), mode of travel to college (p=0.002), history of relatives or friends affected by COVID-19 (p= 0.005).ConclusionPrevalence of depression and anxiety in college students, especially among medical students, was higher in present study mainly due to long-term effects of the pandemic. This calls for employing student wellness activities and provision of better mental health services across colleges in India.Key MessagesDepression and anxiety was observed to be higher especially among medical students. Previous history of psychiatric illness was found to be a correlate of depression. Anxiety was revealed to be influenced by residence, mode of travel to college, and history of family, friends or relatives affected by COVID-19.