Medical student wellbeing during COVID-19: a qualitative study of challenges, coping strategies, and sources of support.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Medical students face challenges to their mental wellbeing and have a high prevalence of mental health problems. During training, they are expected to develop strategies for dealing with stress. This study investigated factors medical students perceived as draining and replenishing during COVID-19, using the 'coping reservoir' model of wellbeing.

Methods

In synchronous interactive pre-recorded webinars, 78 fourth-year medical students in the UK responded to reflective prompts. Participants wrote open-text comments on a Padlet site. Responses were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Analysis identified five themes. COVID-19 exacerbated academic pressures, while reducing the strategies available to cope with stress. Relational connections with

SUBMITTER: West HM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10979564 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature