Longitudinal changes in mental health among medical students in China during the COVID-19 epidemic: depression, anxiety and stress at 1-year follow -up

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of COVID-19 on the mental health of Chinese medical students at 1-year of follow-up. From 2 February 2020 to 23 February 2021, we conducted three waves of research online (T1 = during outbreak, T2 = controlling period, T3 = 1 year after outbreak). The survey collected demographic data and several self reporting questionnaires to measure the depressive, anxiety and stress symptoms. A total of 4002 participants complete the whole research phases. The study major, grade level and gender were the main factors related to psychological distress caused by the COVID-19 crisis. Importantly, medical knowledge has a protective effect on medical students' psychological distress during the COVID-19 period.

Automated summary

This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of Chinese medical students over a 1-year follow-up. Three waves of online research were conducted from February 2, 2020, to February 23, 2021 (T1 = during outbreak, T2 = controlling period, T3 = 1 year after outbreak). The survey included demographic data and self-report questionnaires measuring depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms. A total of 4002 participants completed all phases of the research. The study found that major, grade level, and gender were significant factors associated with psychological distress caused by the COVID-19 crisis. Importantly, medical knowledge had a protective effect on medical students' psychological distress during the COVID-19 period.