Emotional reactions and coping strategies of medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic: an online cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The coronavirus infection (COVID-19) poses a concern for medical professionals. While attention has been given to front-line clinicians, very little is known about the impact of the pandemic on the health of medical students. Aim: The study aims at assessment of emotional reactions and basic feelings in association with specific coping strategies among a sample of medical university students in Kazakhstan during the COVID-19. Material and methods: A cross-sectional self-administered survey was undertaken in 279 students of Semey Medical University. Measurement tools included the visual-analog scales (VAS) for the evaluation of the basic emotions/feelings and coping behaviours and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale to detect potential signs of depression and anxiety. Data comparisons were provided using the ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Logistic regressions with odds ratio (OR) calculation were used to identify those demographic characteristics and coping activities that were related to depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 quarantine.