Depression and Anxiety in Medical Students during the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract: Medical students are prone to anxiety and depression, largely due to the nature of their coursework. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many medical students were required to study from home without being involved in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to investigate depression and generalized anxiety disorder, plus possible risk factors in medical students around the world during the pandemic. During the pandemic, the prevalence of depression in the USA was higher than the reported prevalence in Pakistan, Nepal, and Iran, measured by different psychiatric instruments. Before the pandemic, the reported prevalence of depression in the USA was lower than in Pakistan, using the BDI instrument. The prevalence of GAD during COVID-19 in the USA was also higher than the prevalence in Pakistan, Nepal, and Iran. The pre-pandemic prevalence of GAD reported in India and in Egypt were the highest values, determined with the DASS-42 and DASS-21, respectively. Studies have reported that general social isolation and loneliness are risk factors contributing factors toward depression. Other risk factors identified with depression and/or anxiety disorders were being female, having a lower GPA, lower COVID-19 awareness, and having more experience with COVID symptoms. High prevalence of depression and GAD was identified in medical students in various countries. It is imperative that during any crisis, such as the one experienced in the present COVID-19 pandemic, vulnerable populations to mental health disorders, such as medical students, are identified and supported.Short Description: A meta-analytical study that aims to explore the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the prevalence of depression and anxiety in medical students and the identified risk factors around the world.Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): American University of Antigua