Increased Stress, Declining Mental Health: Emerging Adults’ Experiences in College During COVID-19

2021 ◽  
pp. 216769682110253
Author(s):  
Amanda E. Halliburton ◽  
Michele B. Hill ◽  
Bryan L. Dawson ◽  
Jennifer M. Hightower ◽  
Hailey Rueden
Keyword(s):  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Life Stage ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
College Counselors ◽  
University Population ◽  
The University

The COVID-19 pandemic altered the college experience and substantially impacted emerging adults’ navigation of this life stage. This concurrent mixed-methods study used an online survey, distributed to a southeastern university shortly after the transition to remote learning, to explore and understand college-attending emerging adults’ experiences during COVID-19. A total of 1,220 students ( Mage = 20.9) participated, and the diversity of the demographics was largely consistent with the university population. Participants completed questionnaires about psychopathology and COVID-related stressors, and they were given an opportunity to provide feedback to the university about the adjustment to COVID-19. The most common stressors included loss of routine, lack of social contact, and work/finances. Approximately two-thirds of participants reported anxiety and depression symptoms in the moderate to severe range, and about one-third reported suicidality. The authors discuss the implications of these findings for the ongoing crisis and offer recommendations for universities and college counselors.

scholarly journals Exploring the Frequency of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in a Brazilian Sample during the COVID-19 Outbreak

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4847
Author(s):  
Fabiana Silva Ribeiro ◽  
Flávia H. Santos ◽  
Luis Anunciação ◽  
Lucas Barrozo ◽  
Jesus Landeira-Fernandez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Brazilian Sample

The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health emergency of international concern, and the main measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus causing COVID-19 were social distancing, quarantine, and self-isolation. Although these policies are effective in containing the spread of the virus, they might represent a challenge to psychological well-being, increasing levels of depressive and anxiety-related symptoms. Aims: We explored the frequency of anxiety and depression symptoms during COVID-19 restrictions and associations with sociodemographic factors in a Brazilian sample. Method: Data of a total of 936 Brazilian adults (68.2% women) aged 18 to 77 years old (M = 38.95, SD = 13.91) were collected through an online survey. Results: In general, we observed a frequency of 17.36% for severe anxiety and 66.13% for severe depression symptoms, in which younger participants (18–39 years old) and women showed higher scores in anxiety and depression scales compared to older age groups. Logistic regressions showed that women were more likely to present severe symptoms of anxiety (20.4%) compared to men (10.9%), as well as respondents in the educational sector (24.3%) compared to those in the health sector (10%). Conclusions: We highlight the importance of mental health professionals in developing strategies to help younger adults to mitigate the effects of social restriction.

scholarly journals Longer, More Active Commute, but Still not Very Active: Five-Year Physical Activity and Travel Behavior Change in a University Population

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (13) ◽  
pp. 2420
Author(s):  
Lina Engelen ◽  
Erika Bohn-Goldbaum ◽  
Melanie Crane ◽  
Martin Mackey ◽  
Chris Rissel
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Travel Behavior ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Active Travel ◽  
Physical Activity Monitoring ◽  
University Population ◽  
The University ◽  
Active Commute ◽  
Insight Into

Active travel can support the achievement of recommended levels of physical activity. Monitoring travel behavior of university students and staff provides a useful insight into patterns of regional travel and population level changes in physical activity. This study sought to evaluate current travel and physical activity behaviors in a university population and to determine whether these changed over time. An online survey of travel behavior and physical activity was conducted at the University of Sydney, Australia. The survey was actively promoted for three weeks prior to the release of the survey among staff and students, which asked about travel behavior on a specific day in September 2017. The survey questions were the same as those used in a similar online survey conducted across the University in 2012. In total, 4359 People completed the survey, representing 10.8% of staff and 4.1% of students. Approximately two thirds of survey respondents were students, in both the 2012 and 2017 surveys. Compared with 2012, there was an increase in active travel to the University in 2017 from increased walking and train travel. Compared to 2012, in 2017 there was an increase in average minutes walked by about nine minutes, and less time spent sitting. Trip lengths increased, with 68% of trips taking longer than 30 min in 2017. The amount of time spent in low–moderate levels physical activity increased between 2012 and 2017, potentially related to active travel behavior. Citywide changes towards a system-wide transport fare structure was the biggest change in the transport environment between the two surveys and may have contributed to increased train travel.

scholarly journals Estimating data-driven COVID-19 mitigation strategies for safe university reopening

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qihui Yang ◽  
Don M. Gruenbacher ◽  
Caterina M. Scoglio
Keyword(s):  
Extreme Events ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
The United States ◽  
Vaccination Rate ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Contact Patterns ◽  
University Population ◽  
The University ◽  
University Settings ◽  
Pharmaceutical Interventions

AbstractAfter one pandemic year of remote or hybrid instructional modes, universities in the United States are now planning for an in-person fall semester in 2021. However, it is uncertain what the vaccination rate will look like after students, faculty, and staff return to campus. To help inform university-reopening policies, we collected survey data on social contact patterns and developed an agent-based model to simulate the spread of COVID-19 in university settings. In this paper, we aim to identify the immunity threshold that, if exceeded, would lead to a relatively safe on-campus experience for the university population. With relaxed non-pharmaceutical interventions, we estimated that immunity in at least 60% of the university population is needed for safe university reopening. Still, attention needs to be paid to extreme events that could lead to huge infection size spikes. At an immune level of 60%, continuing non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as wearing masks, could lead to an 89% reduction in the maximum cumulative infection, which reflects the possible non-negligible infection size from extreme events.

scholarly journals Examining the Role of Anxiety and Depression in Dietary Choices among College Students

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 2061
Author(s):  
Michelle M. Keck ◽  
Helize Vivier ◽  
Jeffrey E. Cassisi ◽  
Robert D. Dvorak ◽  
Michael E. Dunn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Caloric Intake ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Dietary Choices

This study examines the role of anxiety and depression symptoms in predicting dietary choices in emerging adults while accounting for sex differences in these relationships. Participants were 225 English speaking undergraduates enrolled in a university in southeastern United States. Participants were recruited through an online research recruitment application utilized by the university. Participants volunteered for a two-phased anonymous survey monitoring the effects of eating habits and gastrointestinal health in young adults. As part of this effort, participants completed self-reporting measures related to anxiety and depression, as well as an automated, self-administered 24-h diet recall. Multigroup path analysis was used to test primary hypotheses. Overall, a decrease in total caloric intake and an increase in sugar consumption were found as self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression increased. In addition, there were sex differences in the relationship between depression and food choices. Men consumed more saturated fat as well as less fruits and vegetables as self-reported symptoms of depression increased. Results suggest symptoms of depression are a greater risk factor for poor nutrition in male college students than females. The findings provide another justification to screen for psychological distress in student health services given the implications on behavioral lifestyle and health.

Canadian Adolescents’ Internalized Symptoms in Pandemic Times: Sex Differences and Association with Sociodemographic Characteristics, Confinement Habits, and Support

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristel Tardif-Grenier ◽  
Isabelle Archambault ◽  
Véronique Dupéré ◽  
Amy Marks ◽  
Elizabeth Olivier
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Sleep Duration ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Internalized Symptoms

Abstract Background Adolescents, especially girls, are more at risk of developing anxiety and depression symptoms and it can be assumed that the stress and social isolation experienced during confinement has had negative consequences on adolescents’ mental health. However, not all of them experienced confinement in the same way. This study is aimed at determining which sociodemographic characteristics (age, family composition, achievement), confinement habits (schedule, new hobby, sleep duration, cellphone and computer use, sports, schoolwork), and sources of support (parents and teachers) are associated with more or less internalized symptoms (anxiety and depression) in Canadian adolescents. Given the increased vulnerability of girls, the results take gender into account. Methods Between April 8 and 30 (2020) and through an online survey, 895 Canadian adolescents (74% girls) aged between 12 and 17 years (M = 14.73) were recruited. Path analysis was performed to identify significant associations between sociodemographic characteristics, confinement habits, and support variables with internalized symptoms. Independent samples t-tests and invariance tests were conducted to compare boys and girls. Data was analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 27 and Mplus8. Results Certain confinement habits (time spent using cellphones, doing sports and schoolwork, finding a new hobby) and support (parents working outside the home) variables were significantly and negatively associated with anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. Regarding the sex differences, girls had higher levels of anxiety and depression symptoms, used their cellphones more, while boys used their computers more. Only the association between sleep duration and physical symptoms of anxiety significantly differed between boys and girls. However, it was not significant for both groups. Conclusions The results of this study help to better understand the experience of adolescents in confinement and how it is different for boys and girls. It sheds light on the characteristics and habits likely to characterize those who are more at risk of experiencing distress and thus make it possible to better support adolescents during this difficult period.

scholarly journals Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Job Activity, Dietary Behaviours and Physical Activity Habits of University Population of Naples, Federico II-Italy

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1502
Author(s):  
Mariarita Brancaccio ◽  
Cristina Mennitti ◽  
Alessandro Gentile ◽  
Luca Correale ◽  
Cosme Franklim Buzzachera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Male Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work From Home ◽  
Dietary Behaviours ◽  
New Variant ◽  
University Population ◽  
The University

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a large family of respiratory viruses that can cause mild to moderate illness. The new variant COVID-19 has started to spread rapidly since December 2019, posing a new threat to global health. To counter the spread of the virus, the Italian government forced the population to close all activities starting from 9 March 2020 to 4 May 2020. In this scenario, we conducted a cross-sectional study on a heterogeneous sample (average age of 28 ± 12 years, 62.6% females) of the University of Naples Federico II (Italy). The aim of the study was to describe the lifestyle change in the university population during quarantine for the COVID 19 pandemic. Participants compiled an online survey consisting of 3 sections: socio-demographic data, dietary behaviours, physical activity habits and psychological aspects. The different results by gender are: 90.8% of females continued to work from home (81.9% were students); 34.8% increased their physical activity; and, only 0.8% prefer ready meals. Whereas, the same percentage of men continued to work from home (90%), but only 72.1% were students (p < 0.001 vs. females), only 23.9% increased physical activity (p < 0.001) and 1.7% favous ready meals. Our data shows that the male population was more affected by isolation and quarantine reporting more unfavourable behavioural changes.

scholarly journals The new frontline: exploring the links between moral distress, moral resilience and mental health in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward G. Spilg ◽  
Cynda Hylton Rushton ◽  
Jennifer L. Phillips ◽  
Tetyana Kendzerska ◽  
Mysa Saad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Moral Distress ◽  
Protective Measure ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Mental Health Symptoms ◽  
Health Symptoms ◽  
Moral Resilience

Abstract Background Global health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, confront healthcare workers (HCW) with increased exposure to potentially morally distressing events. The pandemic has provided an opportunity to explore the links between moral distress, moral resilience, and emergence of mental health symptoms in HCWs. Methods A total of 962 Canadian healthcare workers (88.4% female, 44.6 + 12.8 years old) completed an online survey during the first COVID-19 wave in Canada (between April 3rd and September 3rd, 2020). Respondents completed a series of validated scales assessing moral distress, perceived stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms, and moral resilience. Respondents were grouped based on exposure to patients who tested positive for COVID-19. In addition to descriptive statistics and analyses of covariance, multiple linear regression was used to evaluate if moral resilience moderates the association between exposure to morally distressing events and moral distress. Factors associated with moral resilience were also assessed. Findings Respondents working with patients with COVID-19 showed significantly more severe moral distress, anxiety, and depression symptoms (F > 5.5, p < .020), and a higher proportion screened positive for mental disorders (Chi-squared > 9.1, p = .002), compared to healthcare workers who were not. Moral resilience moderated the relationship between exposure to potentially morally distressing events and moral distress (p < .001); compared to those with higher moral resilience, the subgroup with the lowest moral resilience had a steeper cross-sectional worsening in moral distress as the frequency of potentially morally distressing events increased. Moral resilience also correlated with lower stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms (r > .27, p < .001). Factors independently associated with stronger moral resilience included: being male, older age, no mental disorder diagnosis, sleeping more, and higher support from employers and colleagues (B [0.02, |-0.26|]. Interpretation Elevated moral distress and mental health symptoms in healthcare workers facing a global crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic call for the development of interventions promoting moral resilience as a protective measure against moral adversities.

scholarly journals The Psychological Impact of Threat & Lockdown During the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie van Mulukom ◽  
Barbara Muzzulini ◽  
Bastiaan T Rutjens ◽  
Caspar J. Van Lissa ◽  
Miguel Farias
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Perceived Threat ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Adaptive Coping ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Individual Actions ◽  
The Government

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, particularly the effects of perceived threat and lockdown measures, and to elucidate individual and social factors exacerbating or mitigating its negative effects, particularly sense of control.Design An online survey was designed including questions about psychological wellbeing, lockdown behaviours, and perceived COVID-19 threat, risk, and knowledge.MethodsIndividuals (N=8,229; 39.4% male, 59.4% female, 1.1% other, Mage=38.3, SD=13.5, range = 18-88) were recruited in 79 countries via the snowballing method and social media, and completed the survey in March-April 2020. ResultsParticipant showed elevated levels of anxiety and depression during early stages of lockdown, predicted by perceived threat. Feelings of social isolation moderated the effect of threat on depression symptoms, and increased with the duration of quarantine, but was mitigated by frequent communication with close others. Sense of control was predicted negatively by maladaptive coping, but positively by adaptive coping and the perception that the government is dealing with the outbreak. Individual actions to avoid contracting the virus were associated with higher anxiety, except when done professionally by essential workers. ConclusionsWe suggest that the psychological detrimental effects of the pandemic – following perceived threat and lockdown measures – can be alleviated by individual actions such as maintaining frequent social contact and adaptive coping, and by governmental actions which demonstrate support in a public health crisis. Citizens and governments can work together to adapt better to restrictive but necessary measures during the current and future pandemics.

Psychological Impact of COVID-19 lockdown_PREPRINT

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie van Mulukom ◽  
Barbara Muzzulini ◽  
Bastiaan T Rutjens ◽  
Caspar J. Van Lissa ◽  
Miguel Farias
Keyword(s):  
Social Isolation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Public Health Crisis ◽  
Mitigating Factors ◽  
The Usa

This study addressed the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and examined factors exacerbating or mitigating the negative effects of lockdown. Results from a large multi-country online survey (N=8,229) showed average elevated levels of anxiety and depression (especially in the USA, UK, and Brazil), associated with feelings of low control and social isolation. Although social isolation increased with the duration of quarantine, it was mitigated by frequent communication with close others. Other mitigating factors include adaptive but not maladaptive coping, and the perception and trust that one’s government is dealing with the outbreak. Taking individual actions to avoid contracting the virus were associated with higher anxiety, except when done professionally by essential workers. We suggest that the psychological detrimental effects of lockdown can be alleviated by maintaining frequent social contact, adaptive coping, and governmental actions which show capability, benevolence, and integrity in managing a public health crisis.

Anxiety and Depression in European Immigrants in Africa: Spaniards in South Africa

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S490-S490
Author(s):  
L. Aguado ◽  
A. Porras ◽  
P. Calvo ◽  
A. Tomita ◽  
J. Burns ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Symptom Scale ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
The Third World

IntroductionIt is easy to find texts, in scientific literature, studying the adaptation of immigrants from developing countries in western countries. However, in these globalization times that we are living, few are the studies performed on members from developed countries emigrating to the third world.Objectives/AimsTo evaluate the factors predisposing to the onset of anxiety or depression symptoms in Spanish immigrants living in South Africa.MethodsThis is an exploratory study with a sample of 51 Spanish residents in South Africa between 24 and 57 years (44% male, 56% female), 44% of which were living there for more than two years. An online survey was administered, collecting data related to reasons and conditions for their moving to the country and traumatic events living during the stay. For the screening of depression and anxiety symptoms Hopkins Symptom Scale (HSCL-25) was used. Finally, we carried about several analysis using Chi2 test. For statistical analysis SPSS was utilized.ResultsThirty percent of the sample showed positive scores on anxiety symptoms scale, and 24% scored positive for depression. Job related items as being unemployed (P < 0.001) was associated to symptoms of depression. Insecurity/violence (P < 0.021) and race discrimination (P < 0.009) were the main factors related to anxiety symptoms.ConclusionsFactor related to employment, security and discrimination, has been significantly associated to the onset of anxiety and depression symptoms. Other factors related to the moving to the country or social relationships have shown no relations. More studies are needed to provide information about adaptation and factors related to mental health in Occidental immigrants in developing countries.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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