Factors Influencing Satisfaction With Online Learning During COVID-19 Crisis by Undergraduate Medical Students From King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAUHS), Riyadh

Background During the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Saudi Arabia implemented strict measures to prevent the entry and spread of the virus and to minimize its burden on society, including the use of online education as an alternative to traditional classroom learning. This study surveyed medical students from King Abdulaziz bin Saud University for Health Sciences-Riyadh to evaluate the factors affecting their satisfaction and experience with online learning. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2021, using consecutive sampling and a population of approximately 700 medical students from King Saud bin Abdulaziz University of Health Sciences. This study was carried out through an online questionnaire. Results The survey received 277 responses with a response rate of 40%. About 15.3% of respondents believed that online learning productivity was poor, and 18.9% found it below average; however, 21.7% rated it as excellent. The level of anxiety while studying at home was rated as fine by 32.7%, while 21% felt very anxious, and the level of distraction was reported to be high, by 23.1%. Additionally, 64.4% of respondents preferred more online courses even after the COVID-19 crisis. Overall, 29.2% of respondents rated online learning as excellent, while 12.5% rated it as poor. We found a significant positive correlation between feeling isolated while studying at home and feeling anxious (r=0.618; p<0.001) and a significant positive correlation between productivity during online learning and the impact on grades (r=0.495; p<0.001). Conclusion This study found that online learning had benefits but also negatively impacted academic performance and mental health, highlighting the need for tailored support services. Further research is recommended, and medical students should have more theoretical online classes while keeping practical sessions on-site.