Virtual education and its influence on the quality of life of FOUCE undergraduate students.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate how mandatory virtual learning during the pandemic period of 2020-2021 impacted undergrad students in second to ninth semester at Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Central del Ecuador using a WHOQOL-BREF survey. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted after approval from FOUCE ethics and investigation committee, with a sample of 1200 students from 2020-2021 period, anonymity was preserved by using identification codes, a WHOQOL-BREF survey was used, set-up on Google Forms and consists of 26 questions. Data co[1]llected electronically was cleansed, inserted in a spreadsheet, analyzed using descriptive statistics that included frequencies, measures of central tendency and dispersion, with SPSS v23 statistics software. Results: Data showed perceived quality of life decreased among people surveyed, with the highest impact on psychological aspects and social relationships. When data was gender di[1]saggregated in all four domains studied, data showed evidence that women sustained the biggest reduction in quality of life. Conclusions: Mandatory virtual learning had a negative influence on students’ quality of life without direct correlation with career advancement levels, with a stronger display in women participants.