Perceived Stress and Coping Strategies During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Public Health and Preventive Medicine Students in Vietnam

PURPOSE: Little is known about the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on public health and preventive medicine students, particularly in resource-limited countries. This study evaluated stress level in this population in Vietnam and their coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2020 among 563 public health and preventive medicine students. A structured questionnaire included background information, the level of stress measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and coping strategies evaluated by the Brief COPE. To compare the PSS score and Brief COPE score among participants with different characteristics, two-sided t tests or ANOVA tests were used when appropriate. RESULTS: Most participants were females (71.4%), and the mean age was 21.6 years old (SD = 2.1). Almost all had moderate to high levels of knowledge, attitude and skill toward COVID-19 prevention and protection. The mean PSS score was 17.02 (SD 4.06), and more than 80% had a certain level of stress. The mean score of approach coping strategies was higher than avoidant coping strategies (2.74 and 1.84). Students with a high level of stress had a higher preference for avoidance coping strategies. CONCLUSION: Although students reported relatively good knowledge, attitude and skill as well as the preference for adaptive coping strategies, they experienced a high level of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic.