IMPACTS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC ON MEDICAL EDUCATION AT THE NORTHERN BORDER UNIVERSITY

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all aspects of our lives, including education, social relations, and psychological and financial status. Objectives: The study aims to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic performance, hygiene, stress, lifestyle, and financial status among medical students at Northern Border University (NBU), Saudi Arabia. Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted on medical students at NBU, Arar City. The study collected data on socio-demographic characteristics, academic, hygiene, psychological, lifestyle, and financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic among medical students. Results:The study surveyed 332 medical students at the NBU (response rate=86.46%). One-third of students reported deteriorating academic performance during the pandemic. Negative effects of COVID-19 on academic performance were more likely among males, older students, in clinical years, with poor IT skills, and those who had not previously participated in online learning. Over 56% of students reported negative effects on their academic grades and GPA due to the pandemic and over 50% agreed that teachers were not technology-friendly, recorded lectures were better than live lectures, and technical issues interfered with online teaching. Most students reported increased awareness of hygiene and sanitization with the MOH and WHO being the most frequent sources of information (34.94% and 28.92%, respectively). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has had impacts on medical education at the NBU as regards the academic and clinical skills and physical and psychological health of medical students. This study drew attention to the needs and resources to address challenges faced by medical students during the pandemic.