scholarly journals Survey of German medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic: attitudes toward volunteering versus compulsory service and associated factors

2021 ◽  
pp. medethics-2020-107202
Author(s):  
Lorenz Mihatsch ◽  
Mira von der Linde ◽  
Franziska Knolle ◽  
Benjamin Luchting ◽  
Konstantinos Dimitriadis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Anxiety Index ◽  
Task Commitment

Due to the spread of COVID-19, a key challenge was to reduce potential staff shortages in the healthcare sector. Besides recruiting retired healthcare workers, medical students were considered to support this task. Commitment of medical students in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic was evaluated using an online survey, with particular focus on their burdens and anxieties. This survey was distributed to students within a 2-week period in April and May 2020. Ultimately, 1241 participants were included in the analysis. During the pandemic, 67.9% (65.3% to 70.5%) of the participants reported that they had volunteered. Furthermore, 88.9% (86.9% to 90.5%) stated that they were against compulsory recruitment in this context. Students who volunteered (committed students) had a significantly lower anxiety index than non-committed students. Additionally, students were more concerned about infecting other patients and relatives than themselves. Higher levels of anxiety were related to lower levels of commitment. A mandatory assignment during the pandemic was rejected by the students and does not seem to be necessary due to the large number of volunteers.

scholarly journals Voluntary commitment of medical students during the COVID-19-pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenz Leopold Mihatsch ◽  
Mira von der Linde ◽  
Franziska Knolle ◽  
Benjamin Luchting ◽  
Konstantinos Dimitriadis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Survey Period ◽  
Voluntary Commitment ◽  
Anxiety Index

AbstractIntroductionDue to the spreading of COVID-19, one key challenge was to reduce potential staff shortages in the healthcare sector. Besides a reactivation of retired healthcare workers, medical students were considered to support this task. We herein analysed the commitment of medical students during the COVID-19-pandemic as well as their burdens and anxieties.MethodsVia an online survey, medical students in Germany were asked regarding these themes. The survey period took place during a two-week period in April and Mai 2020. 1241 questionnairs were included in the analysis.Results67.9% [65.3; 70.5] of the participants reported that they volunteered during the pandemic. Simultaneously, 88.9% [86.9; 90.5] of the participants stated to be against a compulsory recruitment in this context. Students who volunteered showed a significantly lower anxiety index than students, who did not volunteer. Concerns about transferring the virus to patients or relatives were significantly higher than concerns about the students’ own infection.ConclusionThe results of this survey study suggest that the majority of students are working voluntary during the pandemic. They declared mostly that they had adequate opportunities to protect themselves. Finally, their biggest fear was to infect other patients, relatives, or friends.

scholarly journals P87 Paradigms about the COVID-19 pandemic: knowledge, attitudes and practices from medical students

BJS Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eddy Lincango-Naranjo ◽  
Paola Solis-Pazmino ◽  
Eddy Lincango-Naranjo
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
National Curriculum ◽  
Negative Attitude ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Macroeconomic Factors ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Abstract Introduction As new coronavirus has spread globally, economic instability in healthcare systems has been significant. This reality is especially accentuated in Ecuador where, the shortage of healthcare workers combined with cultural and macroeconomic factors have led it to face the most aggressive outbreak in Latin America. In this context, the participation of medical students on the front line is indispensable. Appropriate training on COVID-19 is an urgent need that universities and health systems must guarantee. We aimed to describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices in Ecuadorian final year medical students in order to identify the knowledge gaps, perceptions and behavior patterns which could guide the desig3n of better medical education curricula regarding COVID-19. Methods This descriptive 33-item online survey conducted between April 6 to April 20 sent by email and by Facebook and WhatsApp. Results 309 students responded to the survey. 88% scored high (≥ 70% correct) for knowledge of the disease. The majority of students were pessimistic about possible government actions, which is reflected in the negative attitude towards the control of COVID19 in Ecuador and volunteering during the outbreak (77%, and 58% of the students, respectively). Moreover, 91% of students said they did not have adequate protective equipment or training in their health facilities. Conclusions Ecuador has a capable upcoming workforce that could benefit from an opportunity to strengthen, improve and advance their training in preparation for COVID-19. Creating a national curriculum may be one of the most effective ways for all students to be trained, while simultaneously focusing on the students’ most pressing concerns.

scholarly journals Psychosocial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Healthcare Workers and Initial Areas of Action for Intervention and Prevention—The egePan/VOICE Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (19) ◽  
pp. 10531
Author(s):  
Lucia Jerg-Bretzke ◽  
Maximilian Kempf ◽  
Marc Nicolas Jarczok ◽  
Katja Weimer ◽  
Christian Hirning ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Stress ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
Living Alone ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
German Speaking ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Voice ◽  
Efficient Work

Introduction: Epidemics lead to an increase in occupational stress and psychological strain among healthcare workers. However, the impact of a pandemic outbreak on healthcare systems is yet to be clearly defined. Therefore, this work aims to describe and analyze specific areas of workload among different groups of healthcare workers during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A sample of N = 8088 persons working in the German-speaking healthcare sector participated in the VOICE/egePan online survey, which addressed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic during the second quarter of 2020. We used 15 self-constructed items, based on the work of Matsuishi et al. (2012), to identify potential COVID-19-specific topics. Results: N = 7542 records of healthcare workers were analyzed. Of these, 60.80% reported, retrospectively, an increase in stress since the outbreak of the pandemic. Problem areas tended to be indicated more frequently by the women surveyed than by the men. Nurses, paramedics and medical technicians reported the highest fear of infecting others while physicians reported the highest fear of physical or mental exhaustion. With respect to age, older respondents indicated less fear and felt more protected. Men and people living alone were more likely to use dysfunctional coping strategies. Migrants reported a higher fear of becoming infected or infecting others as well as they reported about increased levels of smoking. Discussion: Retrospectively, the COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in stress among healthcare workers. Problem areas have different focuses with regard to different living situations, environmental conditions and professions. In order to lay the best basis for healthy and efficient work, it seems necessary to take measures especially tailored to the needs of different groups of healthcare workers.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Migraine and its associated factors among medical students of Bangladesh: A cross sectional study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdur Rafi ◽  
Tasnim Shahriar ◽  
Yeasin Arafat ◽  
Abhishek Karmaker ◽  
Showsan Kabir Chowdhury ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Electronic Device ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional

AbstractIntroductionMedical students are vulnerable group to migraine, one of the most common type of headache worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of migraine and related disability among medical students of Bangladesh.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted among 1327 students from six medical colleges Bangladesh during March 2021 through a self-administered online survey. ID Migraine™ scale and MIDAS scale were used to screen migraine and migraine related disability respectively. Frequency distribution, and Chi-square test, t-test along with multiple logistic regressions model were used to determine the prevalence and associated factors of migraine respectively.ResultsThe overall prevalence of migraine among the participants was 19%. The prevalence was higher among females (27%) than males (8%). Female sex (aOR 4.11, 95% CI 2.79-6.03) and poor sleep quality (aOR 2.07, 95% CI 1.48-2.91) were identified as independent risk factors of migraine. More than 90% migrainures reported to suffer from moderate to severe headache. Nausea was most commonly reported associated symptom (83.5%) followed by photophobia (72%) and vomiting (53%). Self-reported mental stress (55%), irregular sleep (49%), noise (30.5%), and usage of electronic device (30.5%) were most commonly reported triggering factor of migraine attack. More than half of the sufferers reported severe migraine related disability (MIDAS score ≥ 21).ConclusionsThe prevalence of migraine among medical students of Bangladesh is alarmingly high. Frequent migraine attacks and severe intensity of headache cause a substantial level of disability among the sufferers. Cautious avoidance of the triggering factors through appropriate interventions and prophylactic medication can mitigate the negative impact of migraine as well as improve the quality of life.

scholarly journals Psychological distress and its associated factors in health workers during COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal: An online survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-152
Author(s):  
Nirmala Shrestha ◽  
Nisha Gurung ◽  
Sanju Banstola ◽  
Saurabh Kishor Sah ◽  
Sharad Koirala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ethical Approval ◽  
Psychological Distress Scale ◽  
Distress Scale

Introduction: Psychological distress among healthcare workers amidst COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a serious health problem. Understanding its magnitude is crucial to guide policies and interventions to improve their psychological wellbeing. This study assessed the psychological distress and its associated factors among health care workers in Nepal during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was carried out among 427 health workers currently working in Nepal from April 25 to June 10, 2020. Psychological distress was measured using “The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale” (K10). Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were computed at a 5% level of significance. Ethical approval was taken from Nepal Health Research Council. Results: A total of 427 healthcare workers participated in the study. Out of the total participants, 50.4% were males. Nearly half of the participants were medical doctors (48%) followed by nurses (22.2%), health assistants (12.2%) and 61% were non-government employees. The healthcare workers who experienced symptoms of psychological distress were 28.9%. Out of 123 respondents who had symptoms of psychological distress, 19% had mild, 7.3% had moderate and 2.6% had severe psychological distress. Female healthcare workers were more likely to have psychological distress than males [AOR: 1.75, CI: 1.05-2.92]. Conclusions: Psychological distress in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic is a matter of serious health concern. This issue demands urgent comprehensive intervention embracing the provision of a supportive environment and protective equipment, screening psychological outcomes and psychological counseling especially targeting female healthcare workers.  

Quantifying empathy levels among UK undergraduate medical students: an online survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp20X711293
Author(s):  
Sarah Garnett ◽  
Hajira Dambha-Miller ◽  
Beth Stuart
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Medical School ◽  
Curriculum Design ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Reactivity Index ◽  
Free Text ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Cross Sectional

BackgroundEmpathy is a key health care concept and refers to care that incorporates understanding of patient perspective’s, shared decision making, and consideration of the broader context in which illness is experience. Evidence suggests experiences of doctor empathy correlate with improved health outcomes and patient satisfaction. It has also been linked to job satisfaction, and mental wellbeing for doctors. To date, there is a paucity of evidence on empathy levels among medical students. This is critical to understand given that it is a key point at which perceptions and practices of empathy in the longer term might be formed.AimTo quantify the level of empathy among UK undergraduate medical studentsMethodAn anonymised cross-sectional online survey was distributed to medical students across three universities. The previously validated Davis’s Interpersonal Reactivity Index was used to quantify empathy. The survey also collected information on age, sex, ethnicity, year of medical school training and included a free-text box for ‘any other comments’.ResultsData analysis is currently underway with high response rates. Mean empathy scores by age, sex, year of study and ethnic group are presented. A correlation analysis will examine associations between age and year of study, and mean empathy sores.ConclusionThese data will help to provide a better understanding of empathy levels to inform the provision of future empathy training and medical school curriculum design. Given previous evidence linking experiences of empathy to better health outcomes, the findings may also be significant to future patient care

scholarly journals Mentors' experiences in an osteopathic medical student research program

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tyler Hamby ◽  
W. Paul Bowman ◽  
Don P. Wilson ◽  
Riyaz Basha
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Research Program ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Medical Schools ◽  
Systematic Instruction ◽  
Medical Student Research ◽  
Research Programs ◽  
Student Mentor ◽  
The University

Abstract Context Medical students, especially at osteopathic medical schools, have limited research exposure. Systematic instruction in research, supervised by qualified mentors, could motivate osteopathic medical students to pursue research in their careers, thereby increasing the number of future clinician-scientists. Recruiting and retaining suitable research mentors are crucial to sustaining such programs, but this task is also particularly challenging for osteopathic medical schools. Objectives To assess mentors' experiences in a voluntary student-mentor medical research program. Methods An online survey was sent to 76 university- or hospital-based participants who previously mentored 219 medical students between 2014 and 2019. The questionnaire consisted of 13 items with responses in checklist, five-point Likert scale, and categorical multiple-choice formats, assessing motivation for participation, satisfaction with the program, and interest in future participation. Data were analyzed descriptively, and responses from mentors at the university and hospital were compared using univariate logistic and ordinal regression analyses. Results Among 70 (92.1%) mentors who responded to the survey, 61 (87.1%) reported being motivated by a desire to help medical students learn research. Forty-nine (70.0%) mentors indicated that furthering their own research productivity was a motivation, and hospital-based mentors were statistically significantly more likely to endorse this source of motivation (OR=2.02; 95% CI=1.18–3.45; p=0.01). Most respondents were satisfied with the quality of the students' work (59 [84.3%]) and with the program (59 [85.5%]). However, 46 (65.7%) suggested the program could be enhanced by requiring medical students to be physically present in the clinic or laboratory for a minimum amount of time. Importantly, most (58 [84.1%]) mentors reported that they would be interested in participating in future mentored research programs. Conclusions Mentors were motivated to participate in the voluntary research program for both altruistic and professional reasons. Since most mentors reported being satisfied with the program, it is likely they would participate in future mentored research programs. Our results suggest that mentors viewed this voluntary research program as mutually beneficial.

scholarly journals The Healthcare Sector Employer’s Duty of Care: Implications for Worker Well-Being

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 6015
Author(s):  
Melissa McDiarmid ◽  
Marian Condon ◽  
Joanna Gaitens
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Care Program ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Worker Safety ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Duty Of Care ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Extreme Risk

Pandemic diseases of this century have differentially targeted healthcare workers globally. These infections include Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome SARS, the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and Ebola. The COVID-19 pandemic has continued this pattern, putting healthcare workers at extreme risk. Just as healthcare workers have historically been committed to the service of their patients, providing needed care, termed their “duty of care”, so too do healthcare employers have a similar ethical duty to provide care toward their employees arising from historical common law requirements. This paper reports on results of a narrative review performed to assess COVID-19 exposure and disease development in healthcare workers as a function of employer duty of care program elements adopted in the workplace. Significant duty of care deficiencies reported early in the pandemic most commonly involved lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) availability. Beyond worker safety, we also provide evidence that an additional benefit of employer duty of care actions is a greater sense of employee well-being, thus aiding in the prevention of healthcare worker burnout.

scholarly journals Mental health and preventive behaviour of pregnant women in China during the early phase of the COVID-19 period

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qian Wang ◽  
Phoenix K. H. Mo ◽  
Bo Song ◽  
Jiang-Li Di ◽  
Feng-Rong Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Early Phase ◽  
Associated Factors ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Regression Analyses

Abstract Background The COVID-19 has caused significant toll over the globe. Pregnant women are at risk of infection. The present study examined the frequency of washing hands with soap and wearing face mask when going out, prevalence of depression and anxiety, and identified their associated factors among pregnant women during the early phase of COVID-19 outbreak in China. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between 24 February and 3 March 2020. A total of 15 428 pregnant women who were using maternal health care services in China completed a questionnaire which assessed their socio-demographic and pregnancy-related characteristics, contextual, cognitive and social factors related to COVID-19, frequency of washing hands and wearing face masks, and depression and anxiety. Logistics regression analyses were performed to identify the associated factors of preventive behaviours and mental health. Results The prevalence of probable anxiety and depression was 28.2% and 43.6% respectively. 19.8% reported always wearing face mask when going out, and 19.1% reported washing hands with soap for more than 10 times per day. Results from logistic regression analyses showed that older age was associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety (OR = 0.42–0.67) and higher frequency of washing hands (OR = 1.57–3.40). Higher level of education level was associated with probable depression (OR = 1.31–1.45) and higher frequency of wearing face mask (OR = 1.50–1.57). After adjusting for significant socio-demographic and pregnancy-related factors, place of residence being locked down (aOR = 1.10–1.11), being quarantined (aOR = 1.42–1.57), personally knowing someone being infected with COVID-19 (aOR = 1.80–1.92), perception that COVID-19 would pose long term physical harm to human (aOR = 1.25–1.28) were associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety, while the perception that the disease will be under control in the coming month was associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety (aOR = 0.59–0.63) and lower tendency of always wearing face mask (aOR = 0.85). Social support was associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety (aOR = 0.86–0,87) and higher frequency of washing hands (aOR = 1.06). Conclusions The mental health and preventive behaviours of pregnant women during COVID-19 outbreak was associated with a range of socio-demographic, pregnancy-related, contextual, cognitive and social factors. Interventions to mitigate their mental health problems and to promote preventive behaviours are highly warranted.

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