THE IMPACTS OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE MENTAL HEALTH AND LEARNING OF HEALTHCARE STUDENTS AT A PRIVATE UNIVERSITY CENTER IN JUIZ DE FORA-MG

Abstract

In December 2019, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus was declared in Wuhan, China, which was deemed a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Besides affecting the respiratory system of those infected, the mental health of the entire population may also have been impacted. Objective: to assess the mental health of university students in healthcare courses at a private university center in Juiz de Fora during the pandemic and to analyze their level of learning. Methods: an observational, cross-sectional study was conducted by collecting data through a specifically designed questionnaire with 248 students from the healthcare field at a private educational institution in Juiz de Fora. Results: it was found that out of the 248 students, only 46 (18%) stated that their grades during the pandemic actually reflected the learning absorbed during that period, despite the majority receiving higher grades. Most students reported a worsening of mental health, with anxiety being the most prevalent mental health complaint. Conclusion: there was a clear decline in both the mental health and learning outcomes of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic.