The relationship between mental distress and perception of COVID-19 stress in healthcare students

Introduction/Aim: Healthcare students are among the groups affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in various ways. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between mental distress and perceptions of COVID-19 stress in healthcare students. Methods: The present analytical cross-sectional study included all students of Saveh University of Medical Sciences in 2021 as the statistical population. Through convenience sampling, 419 students were included in the study. A 12-item general health questionnaire (GHQ-12) and a 19-item the COVID-19 related healthcare students stress scale were used to collect data. Data analysis was performed using SPSS and descriptive and analytical statistical methods methods (Pearson correlation coefficient, paired t-test and analysis of variance). Results: The mean score of students' mental health status was 12.91, and 41.05% (N = 172) of them had some degree of mental distress. There was a significant relationship between mental distress score with the perception of COVID-19 stress, gender and field of study (P < 0.05). Conclusion: A significant number of students had some degree of mental distress, which had a direct and significant correlation with the perception of COVID-19 stress. Therefore, planning to identify and reduce the stressors associated with COVID-19 is one of the most beneficial actions for the students in restoring their mental health.