PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT OF COVID-19 AMONG MEDICAL/ DENTAL STUDENTS AND JUNIOR DOCTORS/DENTISTS IN A PUBLIC SECTOR MEDICAL SCHOOL/HOSPITAL
Main Article Content
Keywords
COVID-19, psychosocial impact, junior doctors, medical and dental students, anxiety, fear
Abstract
Objectives
The highly contagious nature of COVID-19 has impacted both medical and dental education worldwide. The disease presents as a substantial challenge for medical education because of limited exposure of students to patient care because of the shift to online classes and shortened clinical teaching. In addition, the social isolation and distancing measures have significantly impacted the mental well-being of medical and dental students. The study aims to understand the psychosocial experiences of junior doctors working during the Covid-19 pandemic and medical and dental students.
Methods
An online survey was assessed from May 2022 to July 2022. The following data were collected at inclusion: age, gender, qualification, and overall impact of COVID-19. The survey was distributed online on Google forms via WhatsApp and Facebook between medical/dental students and postgraduate trainees.
Result
The results showed that a significant number of junior doctors, medical and dental students were impacted by the psychological effects of the pandemic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant psychological and educational challenges for future doctors and dentists. Most of the respondents were vulnerable to anxiety. Similarly, a large proportion of students thought that there was a decreased understanding of lectures because of online classes.
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Dr Rakhshinda Jabeen
F.C.P.S., Associate Professor of Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi
Dr Aiman Shahab
B.D.S., Dow International Dental College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi
Dr Armash Shahab
B.D.S., Dow International Dental College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi
Ali Arif
M.B.B.S., Dow International Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi
Muhammad Sufiyan Faisal
3rd Year Medical Student, Dow International Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi
Dr Muhammad Ubaid
F.C.P.S, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Dow Dental College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi