E-Learning Impact on Veterinary Medical Students' Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This article examines the prevalence and factors associated with anxiety among Portuguese veterinary medical students during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale in a web-based survey of 415 students. Findings reveal that 84.6% of respondents experienced anxiety symptoms, with 23.6% reporting severe anxiety; risk factors included worsened sleep quality, stress from confinement, family conflicts, and poor university adaptation to online learning, while being male and attending the University of Lisbon were protective factors. Most students (77%) were satisfied with online learning, though dissatisfaction and increased time spent on online classes correlated with higher anxiety levels. The study highlights the significant mental health impact of public health emergencies on veterinary medical students and suggests the need for targeted support and improved online education strategies within veterinary programs.