Factors associated with psychopathological symptoms in medical students in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: comparison 2019-2022.

Abstract

Background: The pandemic effects on the mental health of health care personnel is a public health problem.

Objective: To determine factors associated with psychopathological symptomatology in undergraduate medical students.

Material and methods: 2961 students from four generations answered the GHQ-28 online: n₁. Pre-pandemic (n = 758) n2. Initial phase (n = 581), n₃. Acute phase (n = 705), and n₄. Protected return phase (n = 917), between August 2019 and September 2022. Using multivariable logistic regression models, factors associated (sociodemographic and clinical) with psychopathological symptomatology were identified.

Results: 51.9% of students presented symptomatology, with a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms (22.9%), and somatic and sleep disturbance (11.1%). The pandemic phase (n₂: OR, 12.69; n₃: OR, 8.45; n₄: OR, 5.62), having a personal history of major depression (OR, 4.35), family history of depression (OR, 1.96), limited (OR, 1.54) and insufficient economic resources (OR, 2.09) and being female (OR, 1.46) were significantly associated with symptomatology.

Conclusions: The pandemic influenced the mental health of undergraduate medical students. Actions aimed at promoting healthy educational environments, and strategies for prevention and care of psychopathological symptomatology are necessary.