The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health in Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study in Italy

Author:

Carletto Sara1ORCID,Lo Moro Giuseppina2ORCID,Zuccaroli Lavista Vittoria3,Soro Giovanna1,Siliquini Roberta4,Bert Fabrizio2,Leombruni Paolo1

Affiliation:

1. Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Torino, Italy; Clinical Psychology Unit, A.O.U. City of Health and Science of Torino, Italy

2. Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Torino, Italy

3. Formerly at the School of Medicine, University of Torino, Italy

4. Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Torino, Italy; A.O.U. City of Health and Science of Torino, Italy

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of the prevalence of anxiety, depression and stress symptoms in Italian medical students and to identify the associated factors. Design and Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was administered to second-sixth year medical students of the University of Torino, collecting data on the students’ sociodemographics, COVID-19 exposure, anxiety, depression and stress symptoms. Three hierarchical regressions adjusted for age, gender and year of study were executed. Results: The sample size was 1359. The prevalence of anxiety, depression symptoms, moderate perceived stress and severe perceived stress was 47.8%, 52.1%, 56.2% and 28.4%, respectively. The factors associated with mental health symptoms were: being a woman, a family history of psychiatric disorders, living off-site, competitive/hostile climates and unsatisfying friendships among classmates, poor relationships with cohabitants, negative judgment of medical school choice, fear of COVID-19 infection, feelings of loneliness, distressing existential reflections, and a worsening psychological condition related to the pandemic. Being in the fourth or sixth year constituted a protective factor for depression symptoms. Conclusions: Mental health in medical students was associated with both COVID-independent and COVID-related factors. Accessibility to effective interventions must be increased to counteract these changes.

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Subject

General Psychology

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