AbstractSince the COVID-19 pandemic’s beginning, psychiatrists and searchers have been worried about mental health degradation, especially for caregivers and students. Health students are still students and yet caregivers.
Two national studies were done in 2021. First on all health students from April 4th to May 11th 2021 (during the 3rd lockdown in France, 1 year after the first one). Second only on medical students from May 27th and June 27th 2021. Both used online surveys
In the first, 16,937 health students answered, including 54% of nurse students. Regarding Kessler- 6 scale for psychological distress, 14% had moderate (8–12), and 83% had high (≥13) levels of psychological distress. In multivariate analysis, being unable to isolate themselves and having financial difficulties were associated with an increased risk of
psychological distress. On the opposite, being a man and not living alone were associated with a reduced risk of psychological distress.
In the second, 11,754 participants (response rate: 15.3%) were included. Prevalence of 7-day anxiety symptoms, 7-
day depressive symptoms assessed by Hospitalization Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), 12-month MDE (using Composite International Diagnostic Interview- Short Form), and 12-month suicidal thoughts were 52%, 18%, 25%, and 19%, respectively. Burnout syndrome (evaluated by Maslach Burnout Inventory) concerned 64% of clinical students and residents and 30% of preclinical students.
These 2 studies highlighted the elevated level of mental distress in health students, especially medical students in France. Preventive and curative actions are needed to help them.