The mental health consequences of COVID-19 on a sample of health professions students: a mixed methods study

Jose Zapata, Annette Zavala-Idar, Pamela M Recto, Janna Lesser

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: To assess and examine how the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted the mental health of a sample of health professions students (HPS) using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Participants: Participants included 41 HPS enrolled in a co-curricular interprofessional education (IPE) program. Measurements: Measures included the CES-D scale, PSS scale, and the GAD scale. Qualitative description was used to explore the experiences of these HPS. Results: The HPS explained that fear of acquiring COVID-19, transmitting the virus to loved ones, and dying as a result of the disease negatively influenced their mental health. The HPS revealed that there were some beneficial outcomes resulting from the pandemic, including the strengthening of family bonds and the cultivation of resiliency. Conclusions: The pandemic has had a negative impact on the mental health of these HPS. It is essential that these students receive support for their mental health in order to provide optimal care to the population they serve.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalJournal of American College Health
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - 2024

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • health profession students
  • mental health

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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