Pandemic impact on training and mental health of medical residents: an Italian multicentre prospective study

Objective. To describe the mental health of Italian medical residents during COVID-19 pandemic and explore the impact of personal and work-related changes on their mental health. Methods. A multicentre prospective study was conducted on a sample of Italian residents across five timepoints (February-October 2021). Mental health outcomes (symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, depression, anxiety, poor sleep quality) were assessed. Regressions analysed the association between pandemic-related personal and professional changes and the mental health outcomes. Results. Participants were 451. From February to October 2021, the prevalence of symptoms ranged from 21.6% to 12.7% (PTSD), 29.8% to 16.2% (depression), 36.2% to 28.8% (anxiety), 15.2% to 5.7% (sleep). Several work-related changes were significantly associated with symptoms, e.g. a perceived negative training change was associated with all outcomes; increased working hours with PTSD, depression, and anxiety; reallocation to tasks far from expertise area with PTSD. Conclusions. Residents reported a relevant frequency of mental issues. Many work-related changes were associated with poor mental health.