hutan does not have its own medical school, and therefore Bhutanese medical students pursue their training in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and India. When medical institutions in these countries closed during the initial COVID-19 outbreak in March–April 2020, the students were brought back to Bhutan. After repatriation, they were placed in government-managed quarantine facilities for 21 days. This study examined their COVID-19–related knowledge acquired through self-learning, as well as their attitudes toward engaging in the national COVID-19 response. This cross-sectional study was carried out among medical students who had returned to Bhutan. Data were collected using an online questionnaire administered while the students were in facility quarantine. A sample size of 129 was determined, and convenience sampling was employed. Knowledge was measured through 20 items, each contributing 1 point to a total possible score of 20. Knowledge levels were categorized as “good” for scores ≥80%, “satisfactory” for scores between 60–79%, and “poor” for scores <60%. The relationship between knowledge scores and the duration of clinical clerkship was examined using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Students’ attitudes regarding their willingness to participate in the national COVID-19 response were evaluated using rating scales. Data analysis was performed using Stata version 13.1. A total of 120 medical students took part in the survey, representing a 93% response rate. Among them, 88 students (74%) demonstrated a high level of knowledge about COVID-19, 28 students (23%) showed a moderate level, and only four (3%) had limited understanding. Students performed particularly well on questions related to symptoms, transmission pathways, preventive measures, treatment options, and Bhutan’s epidemiological situation. In contrast, they had weaker performance on items concerning mechanical ventilation methods and the home care of mild infections. Knowledge scores increased with longer periods of clinical clerkship (r = 0.326, p = 0.001). The most commonly used information sources were social media (102 students, 85%), television (94 students, 78%), and newspapers (76 students, 63%). Most respondents (78 students, 65%) expressed readiness to support the national COVID-19 response, although many were uncertain about the specific contributions they could make. Only a small proportion (8 students, 7%) expressed fear of becoming infected. The medical students demonstrated strong knowledge of COVID-19, largely acquired independently through sources such as social media, television, and newspapers. They also showed a generally positive attitude toward contributing to the national response efforts led by the government.
