Anxiety and Depression in Medical Students During COVID-19
Author Information
Author(s): Sartorao Ana Luisa Varrone, Sartorao-Filho Carlos Izaias, Buunk Abraham P.
Primary Institution: Faculty of Medicine, Educational Foundation of the Municipality of Assis, São Paulo, Brazil
Hypothesis
There is an increase in the occurrence and severity of symptoms of anxiety and depression in medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion
The study found a high prevalence of moderate and severe symptoms of anxiety and depression among undergraduate medical students, particularly in female students from developing countries.
Supporting Evidence
- 28.2% of participants had GAD-7 scores of ≥10 indicating moderate to severe anxiety.
- 38.9% of participants had PHQ-9 scores of ≥10 indicating moderate to severe depression.
- Female students were found to be at higher risk for depressive disorders.
- Students from developing countries showed higher rates of anxiety symptoms.
Takeaway
Medical students felt very anxious and sad during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially girls and those from poorer countries.
Methodology
An integrative literature review was conducted, including studies that used the PHQ-9 and/or GAD-7 questionnaires.
Potential Biases
Potential confounders and biases in observational studies may affect the results.
Limitations
The study relied on observational data and screening tools that do not confirm diagnoses, and results may not be generalizable due to various biases.
Participant Demographics
The median age of participants was 22 years, with 63% being female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI −21.63 to −6.40
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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