Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a significant threat to both the physical and mental health of individuals, adversely affecting their quality of life (QoL) by causing various psychological issues. This study aims to review the updated estimates of the prevalence of psychological problems and QoL status among Iranian medical residents before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to discuss the factors influencing these conditions.
Materials and Methods: In this systematic review, a search of online databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, CIVILICA, and Google Scholar) was conducted with no time limit up to March 2024. The quality of the information was evaluated using the STROBE tool.
Results: Nine relevant studies were selected. Medical residents exhibited a high prevalence of severe to extremely severe depression (23%), severe to extremely severe anxiety (24.9%), and severe to extremely severe stress (33.8%) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Anxiety symptoms increased from 8% pre-COVID-19 to 24.9% during the pandemic, while depression rates rose from 19% to 23%. A statistically significant relationship was observed between anxiety and factors such as gender, field of study, number of patient visits, and city of study (p < 0.05). Symptoms of depression were more prevalent among female residents, singles, obstetrics and gynecology residents, non-native residents, and those in direct contact with COVID-19 patients (p < 0.05). High levels of stress were more common in female residents and those in surgery and anesthesia compared to non-surgical fields (p < 0.05). Additionally, female residents reported a lower quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the results, medical residents were at high risk of developing anxiety, stress, and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the quality of life was lower among female residents during this period.