A RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC IMPACT ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF FOURTH YEAR MBBS STUDENTS OF SIALKOT MEDICAL COLLEGE.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic forced medical education for rapid transition from in- person learning to online learning. This change came with learning difficulties, social isolation, limited student/faculty relationships, and decreased academic performance.The purpose of this study was to determine whether academic performance, study habits, student/faculty relationships, and mental health was different in fourth year medical students of Sialkot Medical College during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to Pre-COVID and Post-COVID cohorts.In July 2022, a survey was sent to fourth-year medical students at Sialkot Medical College Sialkot asking them to reflect on their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic including study environment, mental health, and relationships with peers and faculty. Exam scores for the three years 2019 pre-COVID, 2020 during COVID-19 and 2021 post-COVID were gathered and compared. Ethical committee accorded the permission to conduct this study.Sixty- seven students responded to the survey (25 males and 42 females). During the COVID-19 pandemic, students did not get score above the normalaverage i.e. (84%) but during year 2021 which was post-COVID era, the core was (90%).Most of the Students (70%) were not satisfied with the new learning method of online system and didn't find that new learning system suitable and effective for them. Mental health and relationships were all rated significantly lower in students during COVID-19 pandemic.Significant differences were found in students experiences and academic performances during the pandemic compared to pre-COVID cohorts and post- COVID cohorts.