IMPACTS OF CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) PANDEMIC ON MEDICAL EDUCATION AT THE NORTHERN BORDER UNIVERSITY

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all aspects of our lives, including education, social relations, and psychological and financial status. Objectives: The study aims to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic performance, hygiene, stress, lifestyle, and financial status among medical students at Northern Border University (NBU), Saudi Arabia. Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted on medical students at NBU, Arar City. The study collected data on socio-demographic characteristics, academic, hygiene, psychological, lifestyle, and financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic among medical students. Results:The study surveyed 332 medical students at the NBU (response rate=86.46%). One-third of students reported deteriorating academic performance during the pandemic. Negative effects of COVID-19 on academic performance were more likely among males, older students, in clinical years, with poor IT skills, and those who had not previously participated in online learning. Over 56% of students reported negative effects on their academic grades and GPA due to the pandemic and over 50% agreed that teachers were not technology-friendly, recorded lectu