Assessment of the factors affecting health profession students’ emergency transition during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to identify the factors that affected health profession students’ emergency transition during the COVID-19 pandemic and to explore strategies that may help students be better prepared for any future health crises. Participants: This study population included 73 students that were originally enrolled in one online section (n = 49) and one face-to-face section (n = 24) of a healthcare administration course before the transition. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted and the anonymous survey data were analyzed using SPSS and a Man-Whitney U test. Results: Of the 73 students, 48 completed the survey, with a response rate of 66% (48/73). There was a statistically significant difference in the perceived COVID-19 impact (z=-3.339, p = 0.001) and difficulty transitioning during the pandemic (3–2.142, p = 0.032) between both groups. The top three hindering factors were stress and anxiety, difficulty focusing on studying at home, and time management due to uncertainty. Conclusions: The study findings suggest strategies that may help students with adequate knowledge and capabilities in managing stress, anxiety, and unprecedented challenges in the future.

Keywords:

• COVID-19 pandemic
• emergency transition
• health profession students
• online education
• stress

Conflict of interest disclosure

There are no conflicts of interest for the authors of this study. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the United States of America and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of Idaho State University.

Additional information

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.