The Effects of Learning and Eating Behaviours among Medical Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed medical education and is likely to have long-lasting effects on student learning, mental well-being, and eating behaviour. This study aimed to examine the learning behaviours of medical students at the American University of Integrative Sciences (AUIS), Barbados, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional web-based on-line survey was administered to medical students at AUIS from July to November 2021. The data collecting instrument recorded students’ demographic and learning behaviour information and eating disorders (SCOFF questionnaire). Results: The overall response rate was 55% (n = 120). In relation to learning behaviour, students agreed with the following statements: ‘deterioration in work performance and studying’ (48.4%), ‘remember subject’s contents appropriately’ (40.4%), ‘concentration on the studies’ (40.3%), ‘difficulty in performing two tasks simultaneously’ (38.7%), ‘difficulty in performing mental calculations’ (33.9%), ‘difficulty in recalling recent information’ (32.3%), and ‘difficulty in recalling old information’ (38.7%). Among the eight dimensions of learning behaviours, deterioration in work performance or studying and difficulties in recalling recent information were found to be significantly associated with the gender of the students. For the SCOFF questionnaire, approximately 24.2% screened positive for eating disorders. Screening with the SCOFF test demonstrated that females, older (>25 years), overweight + obese, Clinical Sciences + PreMed, and non-USA-based students were at more risk of eating disorders. Conclusions: The results indicate that during the COVID-19 pandemic, AUIS students have developed learning difficulties and are likely to have eating disorders. University policymakers should take appropriate measures to support a healthy learning environment and improve students’ mental well-being and eating behaviours.