Qualitative investigation of academic routines and mental health among medical students following coronavirus vaccination.
Despite being essential for protecting public health, the restrictions imposed during the coronavirus pandemic have negatively affected the physical and mental well-being of medical students. Furthermore, most students had negative perceptions of full-time online courses. The COVID-19 vaccine plays a vital role in preventing the collapse of healthcare systems and mitigating stress-related illnesses. The objective of this study was to explore medical students' self-reported feelings, symptoms, and daily routines across two key phases: the period of social isolation and the subsequent return to face-to-face learning after coronavirus vaccination.
A prospective qualitative study was conducted online with medical students in their 1st to 6th years at a university in São Paulo, Brazil, from 2020 to 2021 before and after in-person activities and coronavirus vaccination; focus groups and content analysis were used.
In total, 200 students participated in the initial focus groups, whereas 60 participated in the follow-up sessions in groups of five to ten students. The discussions highlighted recurring negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, sleep disorders and time management losses. Coping strategies were explored, and a return to in-person activities and vaccination were significant factors for improvement, particularly with the support of peers and faculty. However, challenges related to time management and sleep quality persist.
Negative feelings recurred in medical students' reports during social isolation. However, coping strategies have been cited. The return to in-person activities and coronavirus vaccination were positive factors in students' personal and academic routines. Despite this, most students reported changes in their physical, mental, or behavioral state.
A prospective qualitative study was conducted online with medical students in their 1st to 6th years at a university in São Paulo, Brazil, from 2020 to 2021 before and after in-person activities and coronavirus vaccination; focus groups and content analysis were used.
In total, 200 students participated in the initial focus groups, whereas 60 participated in the follow-up sessions in groups of five to ten students. The discussions highlighted recurring negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, sleep disorders and time management losses. Coping strategies were explored, and a return to in-person activities and vaccination were significant factors for improvement, particularly with the support of peers and faculty. However, challenges related to time management and sleep quality persist.
Negative feelings recurred in medical students' reports during social isolation. However, coping strategies have been cited. The return to in-person activities and coronavirus vaccination were positive factors in students' personal and academic routines. Despite this, most students reported changes in their physical, mental, or behavioral state.
Authors
Felix Felix, Costa Costa, Andrade Andrade, Correia Correia, Costa Costa, Kobayasi Kobayasi, Garcia Garcia, Ballester Ballester, de Arruda Martins de Arruda Martins, Tempski Tempski, Tibério Tibério, Romanholo Romanholo
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