Influence of Mental Health and Substance Use on the Empathic Capacity of FICSAE and EPM medical students: a longitudinal analysis

• Grant number: 24/04861-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): August 01, 2024
• Effective date (End): July 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Psychiatry
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Feijó de Mello
• Grantee: Pedro Nicolas Brito
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Empathy is a crucial element for a practical and humanized medical practice, particularly in health. However, students may face challenges that can compromise their mental health during their medical education, negatively affecting their empathetic ability. A study seeks to address the gap in understanding how mental health and substance use affect empathy, especially in Brazil. The research aims to analyze the impact of these variables on empathic capacity amongst students from the Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein and the Escola Paulista de Medicina/UNIFESP. The central hypothesis suggests that adverse mental health aspects and substance abuse can erode empathy, while good mental health can act as a protective factor. A longitudinal research methodology will be implemented to facilitate an in-depth understanding of the dynamics between mental health, substance use, and empathy. Online questionnaires will be administered every six months or annually to monitor students' mental health, substance use, and empathic capacity. The results of the study will help develop strategies to promote students' well-being and enhance their ability to empathize with patients. and empathy, facilitating future strategies that promote students' well-being and enhance their ability to empathize with patients.