Factors Associated with Psychological Distress in French Medical Students during the COVID-19 Health Crisis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Carole Pelissier, Manon Viale, Philippe Berthelot, Brigitte Poizat, Catherine Massoubre, Theophile Tiffet and Luc Fontana
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Carole Pelissier: Univ Lyon, Univ Lyon 1, Univ St Etienne, University Gustave Eiffel-IFSTARR, UMRESTTE, UMR_T9405, 42005 Saint-Etienne, France
Manon Viale: Occupational Health Service, University Hospital Center of Saint-Etienne, 42005 Saint-Etienne, France
Philippe Berthelot: Infection Control Unit, Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Saint-Etienne, 42000 Saint-Etienne, France
Brigitte Poizat: Preventive Medicine Department, Jean Monnet University, 42000 Saint-Etienne, France
Catherine Massoubre: Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Center of Saint-Etienne, 42005 Saint-Etienne, France
Theophile Tiffet: Public Health Service, University Hospital Center of Saint-Etienne, 42005 Saint-Etienne, France
Luc Fontana: Univ Lyon, Univ Lyon 1, Univ St Etienne, University Gustave Eiffel-IFSTARR, UMRESTTE, UMR_T9405, 42005 Saint-Etienne, France

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 24, 1-15

Abstract: Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of psychological distress in medical students during the COVID-19 health crisis and to identify factors associated with psychological distress. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was presented to 1814 medical students (from first to sixth year) in a French university hospital center. Sociodemographic, occupational and medical information (psychological distress measured on the French GHQ12 scale) were collected via an online anonymous self-administered questionnaire. Variables associated with psychological distress were investigated using univariate analysis and multivariate analysis (modified Poisson regression). Results: In total, 832 medical students responded (46%) and 699 completed the questionnaire in full (39%); 625 (75%) showed signs of psychological distress and 109 (15%) reported suicidal ideation. Female gender, psychological trauma during the COVID-19 health crisis, change in alcohol consumption, and difficulties with online learning emerged as risk factors for psychological distress, whereas a paid activity, a feeling of mutual aid and cooperation within the studies framework, and recognition of work appeared to be protective factors. Conclusions: Mental health care or suicide prevention should be provided to students at risk in the aftermath of the pandemic. Knowing the educational and medical factors associated with psychological distress enables areas for prevention to be identified.

Keywords: psychological distress; medical students; COVID-19 health crisis; traumatic event; distance learning (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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