Advanced search

Search results      


Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on First Year Medical Students at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Journal: Journal of Osteopathic Medicine Date: 2023/12, 123(12):Pages: A94-A96. doi: Subito , type of study: cross sectional study

Full text    (https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/jom-2023-2000/html)

Keywords:

covid-19 [76]
cross sectional study [597]
medical students [402]
osteopathic medicine [1540]
pandemic [28]
USA [1086]

Abstract:

Statement of Significance: While mental health outcomes amongst medical students prior to the COVID-19 pandemic are documented, research on the experiences of first-year medical students starting their education in the fall of 2020 is limited. With a focus on the connection between mind, body, and spirit, osteopathic medical schools are in a unique position to holistically assess their students’ needs and strategically implement changes to student affairs and/or curricular delivery accordingly. To assess the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental and overall wellness of first year medical students at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) and longitudinally examine the effects of decreased pandemic restrictions, both nationally and at our institution. Research Methods: A voluntary, anonymous survey was delivered via email to the WVSOM Class of 2024 and Class of 2026 in the spring semester of their first year of medical school (2021 and 2023, respectively). The only inclusion criterion was being currently enrolled in the class. Questions were designed to subjectively assess student mental health status and coping mechanisms over the course of their first year. In addition, respondents completed the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), a 21-question screening tool that yields a severity score (e.g., mild, moderate, severe, extremely severe) for each mental health category relative to the population mean. Survey responses were compared between WVSOM academic years and with a pre-pandemic medical student population using t-tests, Chi-square, and Mann-Whitney U tests where appropriate. All data were de-identified. Aggregate results were disseminated in 2021 and 2023 to the WVSOM counseling center, administration, employees, and students to help facilitate discussion about potential areas of improvement to better support the mental and overall wellness of students. Data Analysis: A total of 135 students participated in the survey; 82 from the Class of 2024 and 53 from the Class of 2026 (response rate= 40% and 27%, respectively). Compared to a pre-pandemic population, the Class of 2024 exhibited elevated mean severity scores for depression, anxiety, and stress on the DASS-21. COVID-19 restrictions severely limited social interactions, with 68% of respondents from the Class of 2024 reporting regularly engaging with less than ten WVSOM classmates during their first year of medical school. Compared to the Class of 2024, the Class of 2026 reported similar levels of anxiety and stress but significantly lower depression scores. Social interactions with classmates were not significantly different between the two classes; students in both classes interacted with a very limited number of classmates. Students in the Class of 2026 were more likely to report an increase in passion for medicine since attending medical school than students from the Class of 2024. Post-pandemic students report significantly higher rates of exercise and less frequent alcohol use as stress-relieving activities. Conclusion: As hypothesized, the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative effect on depression, anxiety, and stress scores compared to pre-pandemic populations. Reduction in pandemic restrictions yielded some improvements in mental health outcomes among first-year students at WVSOM. Similar levels of stress, anxiety, and social interactions between classes might be explained by residual social anxiety post- pandemic and/or newly established preferences for at-home learning. Continued monitoring of future first-year students with DASS-21 surveys will provide increased insight into the longitudinal impact of COVID-19 on student wellness at WVSOM.


Search results      

 
 
 






  • ImpressumLegal noticeDatenschutz


ostlib.de/data_qjfakgymnvzbcprdewuh



Supported by

OSTLIB recommends