scholarly journals Limited negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health measures of Ghanaian university students

Author(s):  
Mary Adjepong ◽  
Felicity Amoah-Agyei ◽  
Chen Du ◽  
Wenyan Wang ◽  
Jenifer I. Fenton ◽  
...  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Callaghan ◽  
Maureen T.B. Drysdale ◽  
Jessica Lee

Purpose This study aims to examine Reddit posts regarding the COVID-19 pandemic from a subreddit dedicated to the campus community of a large, research-intensive Canadian University. The goal was to determine what users were sharing regarding their mental health, well-being, problems, coping strategies and perceptions about the health measures taken to prevent further spread. Design/methodology/approach A total of 1,096 paragraphs were analyzed using the qualitative methodology of thematic analysis. Findings Many users expressed struggling with their mental health and well-being during the pandemic. Difficulties with online learning, finding paid study and affording the costs of living were also reported. Coping was largely conducted through online means and included sharing advice, emphasizing connectedness and communicating information. The mixed perceptions regarding health measures focused on responsibility and fairness, with many users blaming the university and public health units. Originality/value This study contributes to the evolving understanding of how different populations are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, specifically, university students. Implications for providing assistance to university students during the current pandemic and future waves are also discussed.


Crisis ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 348-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hajime Sueki

Background: Previous studies have shown that suicide-related Internet use can have both negative and positive psychological effects. Aims: This study examined the effect of suicide-related Internet use on users’ suicidal ideation, depression/anxiety tendency, and loneliness. Method: A two-wave panel study of 850 Internet users was conducted via the Internet. Results: Suicide-related Internet use (e.g., browsing websites about suicide methods) had negative effects on suicidal ideation and depression/anxiety tendency. No forms of suicide-related Internet use, even those that would generally be considered positive, were found to decrease users’ suicidal ideation. In addition, our results suggest that the greater the suicidal ideation and feelings of depression and loneliness of Internet users, the more they used the Internet. Conclusion: Since suicide-related Internet use can adversely influence the mental health of young adults, it is necessary to take measures to reduce their exposure to such information.


Author(s):  
O. Bukhanovskaya ◽  
N. Demcheva

Method of calculating the index of crisis of gratification has been developed on the basis of the complete survey of 995 students of medical university and 804 students of engineering university, determination of clinical and social parameters and factors related to the process of education in the specialized university. It included: a scale for the assessment of the degree of intellectual intensity, academic performance, stress situations related to the peculiarities of education. Reliable differences in values between groups of healthy students, students with preclinical and clinical forms of mental disorders are revealed as a result of calculation of the index of gratification. The authors conclude that satisfaction with the results of education has a significant impact on the mental health of university students.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-90
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Pesko

Anxiety disorders are commonly experienced by college and university students and should be routinely assessed in mental health settings. Epidemiological studies suggest that the burden of these illnesses has greatly expanded even over the past decade. Factors that contribute to the experience of an anxiety disorder in a young adult student population are considered herein. The best practice for evaluation and treatment of these disorders is presented based on the review of available literature in this field. Special attention is paid to the concept of resilience as it pertains to anxiety disorders in the student population.


Author(s):  
Isabella Giulia Franzoi ◽  
Fabrizio D’Ovidio ◽  
Giuseppe Costa ◽  
Angelo d’Errico ◽  
Antonella Granieri

Background. The present study aimed at comparing self-reported physical health and mental health among university students, workers, and working students aged between 19 years and 29 years. Method. Using data from National Health Surveys held in 2005 and 2013, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 18,612 Italian emerging adults grouped into three groups: university students, workers, and working students. The odds ratios of self-reported anxiety or depression, poor general health, and poor mental health and physical health (as assessed through SF-12) were estimated through logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Results. Compared with workers, students showed an increased risk of anxiety or depression and a lower risk of poor general health. Students and working students showed an increased risk of reporting weak mental health compared with that in workers, while students displayed a lower risk of poor physical health. Significant differences were not found between the 2005 and 2013 surveys. Conclusions. These results are of considerable importance for psychologists as well as educational and occupation-based institutions for planning prevention programs and clinical interventions.


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