The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all age groups of the Earth’s population. Young people are more likely to get mild COVID-19, but clinical manifestations are not uniform. Vaccination of medical students is of great importance since they are the group with the most extensive contacts. Thus, the study of the clinical presentation and the prevention of a new coronavirus infection is relevant.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the incidence of a new coronavirus infection and its profile in medical university students.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was conducted at the Smolensk State Medical University in September 2022. In total, 1699 students of 1—6 years of the medical and pediatric faculties (1155 females and 544 males from 17 to 26 years) participated in the study. The survey was conducted using the continuous method with a specially developed anonymous questionnaire, including closed and open questions about the incidence and prevention of COVID-19.

RESULTS

The questionnaire analysis showed that 46.1% of respondents had a history of COVID-19, of which about 50% had laboratory-confirmed diagnoses. 75.2% of the students had mild disease, and 1.4% had severe COVID-19. Most medical students were treated in outpatient settings, with half of the respondents treated on their own and 103 (13.2%) students hospitalized. Most respondents (1225 (72.1%) subjects) were vaccinated against COVID-19. Approximately 50% of respondents decided to be vaccinated according to the recommendations of university staff. The percentage of unvaccinated students was 27.9%. The main reason for refusal of vaccination was concern for complications. According to the survey, most medical students preferred domestic vaccines.

CONCLUSION

An analysis of a survey of medical students showed that most respondents had a history of COVID-19, but only about 50% of cases were laboratory confirmed. The disease was mild in 75.2% of medical students, and they were mostly treated in outpatient settings. The proportion of unvaccinated students among SSMU students was 27.9%, mostly due to concern for complications. Raising awareness and involving students in volunteer activities contribute to a better understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic and a reassessment of attitudes toward the need for vaccination.