Keneisha Thompson

Keneisha Thompson


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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26 January 2024 in Behavioral Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
WCWon Jong Chwa
Won Jong Chwa
ACAlbert C. Chong
Albert C. Chong
SLSheryl Lin
Sheryl Lin
ESErin H Su
Erin H Su
CSChantal Sheridan
Chantal Sheridan
KTKeneisha Thompson
Keneisha Thompson
The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected racial and ethnic minorities. Medical students were also particularly impacted as they coped with increased stressors due to delayed medical training and a high prevalence of mental health conditions. This study investigates mental health disparities of underrepresented in medicine (URM) students at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine (SLUSOM). An anonymous online survey was distributed to first- and second-year medical students at SLUSOM in February 2021. The survey queried demographic information, lifestyle factors, and pandemic-related and institutional concerns. Mental health was assessed via the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Statistical tests were run with SPSS, version 27. A convenience sample of 87 students responded to the survey. Students who were categorized as URM were significantly more likely to be at risk of major depressive disorder during the pandemic. Concern about a lack of financial support was significantly greater among students categorized as URM. Concerns regarding a lack of financial support, mental health support, and decreased quality of medical training significantly predicted PHQ-9 scores. Our findings revealed several key factors that may exacerbate mental health disparities among URM students during the pandemic. Providing adequate financial and academic resources for URMs may improve mental health outcomes for similar adverse events in the future.