Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite being essential for protecting public health, the restrictions imposed during the coronavirus pandemic have negatively affected the physical and mental well-being of medical students. Furthermore, most students had negative perceptions of full-time online courses. The COVID-19 vaccine plays a vital role in preventing the collapse of healthcare systems and mitigating stress-related illnesses. The objective of this study was to explore medical students' self-reported feelings, symptoms, and daily routines across two key phases: the period of social isolation and the subsequent return to face-to-face learning after coronavirus vaccination. METHODS: A prospective qualitative study was conducted online with medical students in their 1st to 6th years at a university in São Paulo, Brazil, from 2020 to 2021 before and after in-person activities and coronavirus vaccination; focus groups and content analysis were used. RESULTS: In total, 200 students participated in the initial focus groups, whereas 60 participated in the follow-up sessions in groups of five to ten students. The discussions highlighted recurring negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, sleep disorders and time management losses. Coping strategies were explored, and a return to in-person activities and vaccination were significant factors for improvement, particularly with the support of peers and faculty. However, challenges related to time management and sleep quality persist. CONCLUSIONS: Negative feelings recurred in medical students' reports during social isolation. However, coping strategies have been cited. The return to in-person activities and coronavirus vaccination were positive factors in students' personal and academic routines. Despite this, most students reported changes in their physical, mental, or behavioral state.