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Perceived impact of the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic on Malaysian medical students: A descriptive, cross-sectional study
Sapna S Patil1, Ameya A Hasamnis1, Karuthan Chinna2, Nicole Gan Wei Wei1, Britney Ng Rae Min3
1 School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
2 Faculty of Business and Management, UCSI University, Cheras, Malaysia
3 School of Liberal arts and Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
Correspondence Address:
Sapna S Patil,
No. 1 Jalan Taylor's, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 47500, Subang Jaya, Selangor
Malaysia
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None DOI: 10.4103/mjdrdypu.mjdrdypu_180_22
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Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused an unprecedented disruption in the lives of students and health care systems worldwide. Objectives: The study explored the impact of the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic among medical students in Malaysia. Methods: An online, cross-sectional survey was conducted among 397 medical students using Google forms circulated on social networking sites, like WhatsApp. Data were collected on self-reported anxiety and preventive health behaviors, challenges faced in daily activities, perception of e-learning, and changes in social and personal relationships. Results: As compared to before the advent of the pandemic, 83% of the students were more nervous and anxious, 38% washed their hands more often, and 43% bought more cleaning and hygiene supplies during the pandemic. Forty-two percent of the respondents went out less often, and 73% had lesser in-person social contact with their friends. The majority of students practiced a sedentary lifestyle; 47% snacked more often, and 58% had lesser physical activity. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the role of the provision of emotional support and strategies to enhance the well-being of medical students.
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