The effect of COVID-19 on medical students' education and wellbeing: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND

Canadian medical school curriculums have undergone major restructuring during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study's goal was to assess the perceived impact of COVID-19 on medical students' education and wellbeing.

METHODS

An online survey was distributed to Canadian medical students. Descriptive analyses and ANOVAs were used to assess changes in mental health, health habits and quality of education during the pandemic.

RESULTS

248 medical students from 13 schools across Canada participated in this study. 74% reported a reduction in the quality of their education since COVID-19. 58% of students found online to be inferior to in-person teaching. 65% of students had more time for wellness and leisure activities, about half of the cohort felt more depressed (48%) and lonelier (52%). Student's overall health habits worsened after the start of the pandemic (F=37.4, p < 0.001). Alcohol drinking, time spent seated, and screen time also increased since the pandemic (p < 0.001). During the pandemic, students with a prior history of depression or anxiety expressed increased depressive symptoms (66% vs. 42%, p =0.003), increased anxiety (69% vs. 41%, p < 0001), worse sleep quality (34% vs. 18%, p = 0.031), and poorer quality of life (55% vs. 65%, p = 0.024) versus those with no prior history.

CONCLUSION

Canadian medical student's education and wellbeing has been negatively impacted during the pandemic.