Effect on Mental Health among Undergraduate College Students of India during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Multicentric Study.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: College students show higher prevalence of mental health issues as compared to the general population. Unfortunately, this year, students all over the world have to face, added pressure due to COVID-19. This study aimed to estimate the effect of COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on the mental health of Medical and Engineering Students. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study was carried out at different medical and engineering colleges in Bihar, Delhi and Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. 699 responses were collected and analyzed during the study period. Data was collected by email/ online platform through Google form via non- probability Sampling Technique. Mental health status was determined by using Corona virus anxiety screening (CAS), GHQ (General Health Questionnaire)-12, GAD (General Anxiety Disorder)-7 scale and PHQ (Patient Health Questionnaire)-9 scales.369 (53%) MBBS and 330 (47%) Engineering students participated in the study. RESULTS: Maximum participants in both groups did not have anxiety related to COVID-19 (MBBS (96.8%) and Engineering (95.2%). About two-third participants secured above cut off score i.e., MBBS (62.3%) and Engineering (64.8%) in GHQ-12. Approximately comparable proportion in both groups were found to have severe anxiety and depression (16% vs 20%), when applied GAD-7 and PHQ-9. Uncertainty in the timing of the exams/ Academic delay was found to be the most worrying factor (MBBS, 41.19% vs Engineering 31.82%). CONCLUSIONS: About two-thirds of medical and engineering students psychologically equally affected by current pandemic in our study. A student wellness clinic is the need of hour in current scenario, which is supported by mental health experts (Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologists) and residents on rotation basiswhere all psychological problem including Stress, Anxiety, Interpersonal crisis, Relationship issues and Personality problems of the students are dealt effectively in institute campus near to student residential area.