The immediate psychological effects of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on medical and non-medical students in China

Lin Xie (), Hong Luo (), Mei Li (), Wenjie Ge (), Bingyu Xing () and Qunfang Miao ()
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Lin Xie: Hangzhou Normal University
Hong Luo: The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University
Mei Li: Hangzhou Normal University
Wenjie Ge: Hangzhou Normal University
Bingyu Xing: Hangzhou Normal University
Qunfang Miao: Hangzhou Normal University

International Journal of Public Health, 2020, vol. 65, issue 8, No 29, 1445-1453

Abstract: Abstract Objectives To investigate the immediate psychological effects of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on medical and non-medical students. Methods An online survey of 805 medical students and 1900 non-medical students was conducted from Feb 4, 2020 to Feb 7, 2020, in China. The questionnaire measured the subjective estimated severity of COVID-19, the impact of the outbreak, and the levels of anxiety and depression of both medical and non-medical students. Results Medical students estimated COVID-19 to be more serious and disastrous than non-medical students, while they scored lower than non-medical students on the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and less severe anxiety and depression than non-medical students. The students experienced greater impact from the outbreak and a higher rate of anxiety and depression with increased time focusing on the outbreak. The difference in psychological effects between medical and non-medical students was further enlarged when focusing time was prolonged. Conclusions The immediate psychological effects of COVID-19 on medical and non-medical students exhibit different characteristics. The outcome of this study provides implication that providing accurate and transparent information about the epidemic and appropriate COVID-19-based knowledge in accessible ways will contribute to the public's mental health during the outbreak.

Keywords: COVID-19; Psychological effect; Impact of event; Anxiety; Depression; Medical student (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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DOI: 10.1007/s00038-020-01475-3

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