The Psychological Impact of Movement Restriction during the COVID-19 Outbreak on Clinical Undergraduates: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia and the subsequent closure of all educational institutions. We aimed to examine the psychological impact of the MCO among clinical undergraduates. A cross-sectional study was conducted using self-reported questionnaires that were distributed online using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS 21), Short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (SWEMWBS), and the newly designed MCO effect questionnaire. Seven hundred seventy-two students completed the survey. The prevalence of psychological distress was 52.8%, with around 60% of respondents reporting disruption to their daily lives. Older (p = 0.015) and more senior students (p < 0.001) were less likely to be anxious than their younger and junior counterparts, respectively. A greater number of social support (three or more) was linked to a lower score of depression (p = 0.005) and stress (p = 0.045). Undergraduates who received family support demonstrated lower depression scores (p = 0.037) and higher mental wellbeing (p = 0.020) compared to those without. Government support was independently associated with a lesser risk of depressive symptoms (Adjusted odds ratio, AOR 0.68; 95% confidence interval, CI 0.47–0.99) and a greater sense of mental wellbeing (AOR 1.54; 95% CI 1.06–2.22). The present finding provides evidence of a high prevalence of psychological distress among clinical undergraduates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Appropriate social support is important in alleviating anxiety and stress and promoting greater mental wellbeing amongst students during the nationwide quarantine.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Mental Health Symptoms during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Southeast Asia

“…A total of 20 samples and 13,960 respondents deriving from 15 studies [23,24,[28][29][30][31][32]35,37,38,40,41,43,45,47] reported in the presence and severity of depression. A variety of rating scales were used such as DASS-21 (60.0%), HADS (20%), and three other instruments (each 6.7%).…”

Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on College Students After School Reopening: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Machine Learning

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Pregnancy and COVID-19 Pandemic Perception in Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Malaysian Government has implemented the Movement Control Order (MCO) which aims to break the chain of COVID-19 in the population. The MCO prohibits mass gathering, stops international travel, and closes all academic and business premises except providers of essential services, including food, health, telecommunications, and transportation [ 9 , 10 ].…”

“…The public had to adapt to the new norm which includes wearing a face mask, social distancing, frequent hand washing, and avoiding mass gatherings [ 12 ]. The Malaysian government have been using multiple platforms to convey official information and updates on COVID-19 to the general population, which include daily press conferences, regular text messaging, and the use of social media [ 10 ].…”