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. 2022 Feb 21;22(1):115.
doi: 10.1186/s12909-022-03179-z.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lifestyle and behaviours, mental health and education of students studying healthcare-related courses at a British university

Nishita Gadi  1 , Saman Saleh  1 , Jo-Anne Johnson  1 , Aaron Trinidade  2   3
Affiliations

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lifestyle and behaviours, mental health and education of students studying healthcare-related courses at a British university

Nishita Gadi et al. BMC Med Educ. .

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected most industries, including health education. In this study, we surveyed students studying healthcare-related courses at our university on how their lifestyles and behaviours, mental health and education had been affected by the pandemic.

Methods: Mixed methods cross-sectional study.

Results: Two hundred thirty-three students responded to the questionnaire. Lifestyle and behaviours: 51.5% of the participants changed their diet (n=120); 45.5% (n=106) exercised less; 66.5% (n=155) experienced a change in sleep; 51.1% (n=119) reported a change in appetite. Mental health: 84.2% (n=196) reported worrying too much about different things; 61.9% (n=144) could not stop or control worrying; 71.2% experienced trouble relaxing on several days or more (n=166). At least sometimes, 72.1% (n=168) felt unable to cope with things they had to do; 8.5% (n=20) never, or almost never, felt confident about handling personal problems. Education: 65.7% (n=153) struggled to complete learning outcomes with online delivery; 82% (n=191) worried about practical skills being affected; 60.5% (n=141) worried about the impact of COVID-19 on their future career. Almost half (48.9%, n=114) believed that online teaching should be part of the standard curriculum.

Conclusion: In general, there was a negative impact on behaviours, lifestyle and mental health and virtual education was perceived as necessary in making up for the loss of face to face experiences. Students' mental health and educational needs have been affected by the current pandemic and healthcare educational facilities must respond to these needs to ensure students continue to receive the support they need.

Keywords: Anxiety; COVID-19; Medical education; Medical student; Pandemic.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no relevant conflicts of interest or competing interests to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Bar-chart showing the breakdown of respondents by course
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Waffle chart showing student responses to the Lifestyle & Behaviours questionnaire
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Waffle chart showing student responses to the Mental Health questionnaire, subdivided into (a) feelings and (b) emotions
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Waffle chart showing student responses to the Education questionnaire
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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