PERCEIVED STRESS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC BECAUSE OF ONLINE LEARNING AMONG MBBS STUDENTS

Abstract

Background: The extremely contagious COVID-19 coronavirus illness was initially discovered in Wuhan, China in 2019, and it has since spread around the world, affecting a sizable population. The WHO deemed it to be a pandemic. The pandemic had a significant impact on psychological health because to adjustments made to lifestyle and educational practices.

Objective: To assess medical students' reported stress levels throughout their online coursework in light of the COVID- 19 pandemic in India.

Methods: The present online study assessed 892 students using the PSS (Perceived Stress Scale) questionnaire, which to all registered medical students by email and WhatsApp. The survey had to be filled out and sent again. Conclusions were reached after a statistical examination of the collected data.

Results: Of the participants in this study, there were 39.23% (n=350) females and 60.76% (n=542) males. 56.50% (n=504) research participants reported low stress (levels 0–13), 32.73% (n=292) reported moderate stress (levels 14– 26), and 10.76% (n=96) reported severe stress (levels 27–40). Subjects with low stress levels experienced considerably less sleep disruptions, whereas those with high stress experienced three times/more sleep disturbances (p=0.01).

Conclusion: Taking into account its limitations, the current study comes to the conclusion that medical students' responses to the COVID-19 epidemic have been diverse and forceful, and that mental health concerns should be taken into account for all age groups and domains within society. During their online education, students might experience less stress by utilising online counselling and management programmes.