Dataset Information

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of medical students and young physicians in Germany: Gender-specific results of an online survey.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Healthcare workers and medical students faced new challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Processes within many hospitals were completely disrupted. In addition, the face to face teaching of medical students was drastically reduced. Those at risk of developing mental health problems appear to be younger health care workers and women.

Objective

To investigate potential COVID-19 pandemic-related gender differences in psychological distress among medical students and physicians in their first years of practice.

Design and setting

An anonymous survey was carried out online between December 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, at the Mannheim Medical Faculty and the Würzburg Medical Faculty, Germany, after obtaining informed consent. Primary outcome measures were changes in anxiety and depression symptoms using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and changes in participants' current quality of life using the WHO Quality of Life BREF.

Results

The results show wave-like courses for perceived anxiety and burden overlapping with the course of the COVID-19 incidence. In comparison to men, women showed a significant higher increase in HADS (p = 0.005) and a reduced life quality (p = 0.007) after COVID-19. Both sexes showed different frequencies of the factors influencing quality of life, with the presence of a previous mental illness and mean anxiety having a significant higher negative impact in women.

Conclusion

Future and young female physicians reported a disproportionate higher burden during COVID-19 compared to their male colleges. These observations suggest an increased need for support and prevention efforts especially in this vulnerable population.

SUBMITTER: Halfmann M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10788433 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of medical students and young physicians in Germany: Gender-specific results of an online survey.

Halfmann Marie M Castioni Noah N Wetzel Lea L Koopmann Anne A König Sarah S Schmieder Astrid A

Heliyon 20231219 1

<h4>Background</h4>Healthcare workers and medical students faced new challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Processes within many hospitals were completely disrupted. In addition, the face to face teaching of medical students was drastically reduced. Those at risk of developing mental health problems appear to be younger health care workers and women.<h4>Objective</h4>To investigate potential COVID-19 pandemic-related gender differences in psychological distress among medical students and phys ...[more]

PMID: 38226267

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Project description:IntroductionWithin the Thai medical curriculum, its rigorous education framework, demanding schedules and high academic standards can contribute to psychological distress. Regular physical activity has consistently shown positive effects on mental health. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between exercise and psychological well-being, including depression, anxiety, and burnout, in Thai medical students, and factors related to insufficient exercise and depression.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students in the university hospital during 2020-2021. Participants completed self-administered questionnaires consisting of demographic data, Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire, depression screening (9Q), Thai General Health Question-28 (4 domains: somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction, severe depression), and Maslach burnout inventory (Emotional exhaustion (EE), Depersonalization (DP), Reduced Personal Achievement (rPA).ResultsOf the 404 participants, 50.5% were women, the mean age (SD) was 21.06 (1.8) years, and 52% were in clinical years. The prevalence of insufficient exercise was 59.6%, depression (30.2%), somatic symptoms (27.7%), anxiety (30.7%), insomnia (89.4%), social dysfunction (89.4%), high level of EE (32.4%), DP (21%), and rPA (56.7%). Insufficient exercise was associated with moderate to severe depression (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.16-7.25), anxiety and insomnia (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.01-2.43), social dysfunction (OR 2.51, 95% CI 1.31-4.78), burnout in part due to high rPA (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4-4.13), and study in clinical years (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.28-2.87). After adjusted significant factors, only studying in the clinical year, social dysfunction, and burnout in part of rPA were related to insufficient exercise.ConclusionsHigh rates of insufficient exercise, psychological challenges, and burnout were prevalent among medical students. To effectively address these issues, medical school should advise students to participate in regular exercise, promoting mental well-being and healthier lifestyles.

Dataset Information

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of medical students and young physicians in Germany: Gender-specific results of an online survey.

Background

Objective

Design and setting

Results

Conclusion

Publications

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of medical students and young physicians in Germany: Gender-specific results of an online survey.

Similar Datasets

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