OBJECTIVES : This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the perceived stress, anxiety level and mental health of medical students and to explore the knowledge of COVID-19 among them.

METHODS

: A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among the undergraduate (UG) medical interns and postgraduate (PG) medical residents using the online data collection form. The form consisted of five domains: socio-demographic, knowledge assessment, perceived stress assessment, Generalized Anxiety Disorder- 7 (GAD- 7) assessment and assessment of the perceived level of change in social habits and personal hygiene domains. The statistical analysis of the responses was carried out by using the Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests.

RESULTS

: Two hundred participants filled the distributed survey, 61% (n=122) were males. The mean knowledge score of 200 participants was 4.27±1.45. The participant had a mean perceived stress score of 18.35±6.28, and the females had a significantly higher perceived stress level than the male (p= 0.037). Moderate stress (score 14- 26) was reported in 69% (n= 138) of the participants, 21% (n= 42) of the participants reported low stress (0- 13). While only 10% (n= 20) of the participant reported high perceived stress level (27- 40). Moderate anxiety (score 10- 14) were reported in 16% (n=32) of the participant and 4% (n= 8) of the participants reported severe anxiety (score >14).

CONCLUSIONS : There is an increased stress and anxiety in Indian medical students due to overburdened responsibilities and lack of adequate resources. The regulatory authority should adequately address the mental health of UG medical interns and PG medical residents.