Brain Fog: Impact on Mental Health and Academic Performance Among Medical Students

Abstract

The mental and educational well-being of students represents a significant health concern. This study aims to examine the correlation between brain fog and its impact on students’ mental health and academic performance. Brain fog, a cognitive dysfunction affecting 15-40% of chronic pain patients, is often linked with mental health issues and conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and COVID-19. It involves memory challenges, focus issues, and mental cloudiness. Factors such as stress, poor sleep, and mental health disorders, amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, contribute to its onset. The relationship between brain fog and cognitive impairments remains unclear, with some studies suggesting they are distinct while others view them as overlapping. Further research is needed to understand its mechanisms and develop targeted interventions. This cross-sectional study examined cognitive impairment, or “brain fog,” and its associations with mental health and academic performance among medical students aged 18-25 in Karachi. Data were collected over one year from various universities using non-probability convenience sampling, resulting in a sample of 345 participants. Validated questionnaires were used: the Brain Fog Scale (BFS) for cognitive assessment, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) for mental health, and an Academic Performance Scale (APS). Analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22. A total of 345 participants were included in the study, categorized by age, gender, academic field, year of study, brain fog, and psychological distress. In terms of age, the largest group was 20-21 years (141 participants, 40.9%), while the 18-19 age group had the fewest (14 participants, 4.1%). Gender distribution showed 106 males (30.7%) and 239 females (69.3%). Academically, 41.2% were pursuing MBBS (142 students), followed by DPT (35.4%, 122 students) and BDS (23.5%, 81 students). Most participants were in their 3rd year (42.3%, 146 students), with fewer in the 5th year (10.4%, 36 students) Regarding brain fog, 0.3% were normal, 20.6% mild, 67.5% moderate, and 11.6% severe. In terms of psychological distress, 2.6% were normal, 5.5% mild, 33.3% moderate, and 58.6% severe. Performance levels indicated that 17.1% performed excellently, 49.0% had good performance, 31.9% moderate, and 2.0% performed poorly. This study revealed a high prevalence of brain fog among Karachi medical students, with most experiencing moderate to severe symptoms. There was a notable link between brain fog, mental health issues, and academic performance. Given the significant rates of psychological distress, targeted interventions were needed to address these challenges. Further research was essential to better understand the underlying mechanisms and improve student outcomes.