Effect of lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic on mental health of pre-medical students of Maharashtra

Authors

  • Moksh S. Khetan Vedantaa Institute of Medical Sciences, Dahanu, Maharashtra, India
  • K. M. Jaiswal Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College, Gondia, Maharashtra
  • Lohit S. Vaishnao Government Medical College, Gondia, Maharashtra, India
  • Mahek Kewalramani Government Medical College, Gondia, Maharashtra, India
  • Ritika J. Shah Vedantaa Institute of Medical Sciences, Dahanu, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20203917

Keywords:

Pandemic, Corona virus, NEET, Mental health, Psychological impact

Abstract

Background: The worldwide rapid increase of infected cases of COVID-19 has created a sense of uncertainty and anxiety about what is going to happen. The Government of India ordered the complete lockdown in nation. As a result the pre-medical exam has been postponed with no definite date. It has also lead to unfavourable effects on the learning and psychological health of students.

Aim: To evaluate and analyse the prevalence of Depression, Anxiety and Stress among pre-medical students of Maharashtra using DASS-21.

Methods: It was an online survey which was conducted using Google Forms with link sent using WhatsApp. A standard DASS-21 questionnaire was used for the study. The survey questionnaire would take around 3-4 min to complete. Total 324 responses were received by the stipulated time.

Results: The study showed that the people of age group less than 20 years were more depressed in this lockdown crisis as compared to those of age above 20 years. In the present study, 44 respondents of age less than 20 years had very high levels of anxiety while in the age group of above 20 there were 25 such respondents. The relationship between anxiety level and age was statistically significant. When compared on the stress scale it was found that females of age less than 20 years were under maximum stress.

Conclusion: Index survey suggested that the pandemic affected the preparation of the respondents to a great extent and affected their mental status negatively.

Author Biographies

Lohit S. Vaishnao, Government Medical College, Gondia, Maharashtra, India

Final MBBS Student

Mahek Kewalramani, Government Medical College, Gondia, Maharashtra, India

Final MBBS Student

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Published

2020-08-28

How to Cite

Khetan, M. S., Jaiswal, K. M., Vaishnao, L. S., Kewalramani, M., & Shah, R. J. (2020). Effect of lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic on mental health of pre-medical students of Maharashtra. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 7(9), 3524–3530. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20203917

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Original Research Articles