Medical student wellbeing during COVID-19: a qualitative study of challenges, coping strategies, and sources of support.

BACKGROUND: Medical students face challenges to their mental wellbeing and have a high prevalence of mental health problems. During training, they are expected to develop strategies for dealing with stress. This study investigated factors medical students perceived as draining and replenishing during COVID-19, using the 'coping reservoir' model of wellbeing. METHODS: In synchronous interactive pre-recorded webinars, 78 fourth-year medical students in the UK responded to reflective prompts. Participants wrote open-text comments on a Padlet site. Responses were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Analysis identified five themes. COVID-19 exacerbated academic pressures, while reducing the strategies available to cope with stress. Relational connections with family and friends were affected by the pandemic, leading to isolation and reliance on housemates for informal support. Relationships with patients were adversely affected by masks and telephone consultations, however attending placement was protective for some students' wellbeing. Experiences of formal support were generally positive, but some students experienced attitudinal and practical barriers. CONCLUSIONS: This study used a novel methodology to elicit medical students' reflections on their mental wellbeing during COVID-19. Our findings reinforce and extend the 'coping reservoir' model, increasing our understanding of factors that contribute to resilience or burnout. Many stressors that medical students typically face were exacerbated during COVID-19, and their access to coping strategies and support were restricted. The changes to relationships with family, friends, patients, and staff resulted in reduced support and isolation. Recognising the importance of relational connections upon medical students' mental wellbeing can inform future support.

The faecal metabolome and mycobiome in Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: Gut fungal composition and its metabolites have not been assessed simultaneously in Parkinson's disease (PD) despite their potential pathogenic contribution. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the faecal metabolome and mycobiome in PD by assessing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and fungal rRNA. METHODS: Faecal VOCs from 35 PD patients and two control groups (n = 35; n = 15) were assessed using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. DNA was extracted from 44 samples: 18S rRNA gene amplicons were prepared and sequenced. Metabolomics, mycobiome and integrated analyses were performed. RESULTS: Several VOCs were more abundant and short chain fatty acids were less abundant in PD. Hanseniaspora, Kazachstania, uncultured Tremellaceae and Penicillium genera were more abundant, and Saccharomyces less abundant in PD (FDR<0.0007). Torulaspora was associated with PD and two VOCs. CONCLUSION: PD patients had a distinct metabolome and mycobiome suggesting that fungal dysbiosis may contribute to PD pathogenesis.