Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Nursing and Medical Students Studying in Manipal College of Medical Sciences(MCOMS)

Impact of COVID-19 on medical education

Abstract

Background:- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease declared pandemic on March 11, 2020 by WHO. As a preventive measure, Nepal was put into lockdown from 24 March to 21 July, 2020 and currently local closures are implemented in the country. Sudden lockdown prompted the widespread closure of educational institutions. This study aimed to assess the academic and social impact of COVID-19 lockdown on undergraduate students.

Method:-  A web based cross sectional study was conducted among 403 undergraduate students of Manipal College of Medical Sciences (MCOMS), Pokhara Nepal using total enumeration method. Data was collected through online self-administered questionnaires by using Microsoft Form. Analysis of the results was done by using regression analysis.

Results:- High academic (55.6%) and social (53.8%) impact was seen in the students. Female (OR: 1.76; CI 1.1-2.82), Nepalese students (OR: 2.05; CI 1.19-3.51), data pack users (OR: 2.09; CI 1.16-3.78) were more likely to have high academic impact. Foreign students (OR: 1.88; CI 1.11-3.11) and students having daily update of COVID-19 (OR: 2.2; CI 1.03-4.66) were more likely to have high social impact.

Conclusion:- Academic impact was seen more in female and Nepalese students while social impact was high among foreign students. Educational activities need to continue in this critical situation. Concerned authorities need to focus on the improvement of digital infrastructure and technology along with continuation of clinical learning with safety precautions during this pandemic time for better learning among students.

Key words:- academic, lockdown, impact, social, students