scholarly journals Psychological responses during the COVID-19 outbreak among university students in Bangladesh

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0245083
Author(s):  
Md. Saiful Islam ◽  
Md. Safaet Hossain Sujan ◽  
Rafia Tasnim ◽  
Md. Tajuddin Sikder ◽  
Marc N. Potenza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevalence Estimates ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression ◽  
Public Health Challenge ◽  
Students Satisfaction

Mental health problems in students are considered a public health challenge. We assessed the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) with the DASS-21, as well as associated factors, among university students in Bangladesh early in the COVID-19 outbreak. We hypothesized high levels of DAS and their associations with previously reported factors (e.g., poor sleep, lack of exercise, heavy internet use) and those linked to disadvantage (e.g., low monthly family income). We also enquired about participants’ satisfaction with their pursuit of their academic studies while living under COVID-19 restrictions. An internet-based survey was conducted during the month of April 2020, involving 3,122 Bangladeshi university students aged 18 to 29 years (59.5% males; mean age 21.4±2 years). Prevalence estimates of depression, anxiety and stress were, respectively, 76.1%, 71.5% and 70.1% for at least mild symptoms, 62.9%, 63.6% and 58.6% for at least moderate symptoms, 35.2%, 40.3%, and 37.7% for at least severe symptoms and 19.7%, 27.5% and 16.5% for at least very severe symptoms. The present estimates of DAS were more prevalent than in previous pre-COVID-19 studies among Bangladeshi university students. Regression analyses with DASS-21-score as a dependent variable revealed associations with factors mostly as hypothesized. The largest effect size on DAS symptoms was related to students’ satisfaction with their academic studies during the pandemic. As this survey used cross-sectional and self-reported methods, causality cannot be inferred. Mental health monitoring of students attempting to cope with the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak may be useful and feasible.

scholarly journals Psychological responses during the COVID-19 outbreak among university students in Bangladesh

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Saiful Islam ◽  
Safaet Hossain Sujan ◽  
Rafia Tasnim ◽  
Tajuddin Sikder ◽  
Marc N. Potenza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevalence Estimates ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression ◽  
Public Health Challenge ◽  
Students Satisfaction

Mental health problems in students are considered a public health challenge. We assessed the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) with the DASS-21, as well as associated factors, among university students in Bangladesh early in the COVID-19 outbreak. We hypothesized high levels of DAS and associations between DAS and factors previously reported (poor sleep, lack of exercise, heavy internet use) and those linked to disadvantage (e.g., low monthly family income). We also enquired about participants’ satisfaction with their pursuit of their academic studies while living under COVID-19 restrictions. An internet-based survey was conducted during the month of April 2020, involving 3,122 Bangladeshi university students aged 18 to 29 years (59.5% males; mean age 21.4±2 years). Prevalence estimates of depression, anxiety and stress were, respectively, 76.1%, 71.5% and 70.1% for at least mild symptoms, 62.9%, 63.6% and 58.6% for at least moderate symptoms, 35.2%, 40.3%, and 37.7% for at least severe symptoms and 19.7%, 27.5% and 16.5% for at least very severe symptoms. There was a suggestion that these rates were higher than in previous, pre-COVID-19 studies among Bangladeshi students. Regression analyses with DASS-21-score as a dependent variable revealed associations with factors mostly as hypothesized. The largest effect size on DAS symptoms was related to students’ satisfaction with their academic studies during the pandemic. As this survey used cross-sectional and self-reported methods, causality cannot be inferred. Mental health monitoring of students attempting to cope with the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak may be useful and feasible.

scholarly journals From Stress to Psychopathology: Relationship with Self-Reassurance and Self-Criticism in Czech University Students

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuhiro Kotera ◽  
Jaroslava Dosedlova ◽  
Denise Andrzejewski ◽  
Greta Kaluzeviciute ◽  
Makoto Sakai
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Transactional Model ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Path Analyses ◽  
As Stress

AbstractPsychological stress has become a major concern, potentially leading to diverse health problems including psychopathology such as depression and anxiety. Transactional Model of Stress and Coping is an established model, conceptualizing stressful experiences via person–environment relationship. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the pathway from stress to depression/anxiety, with a focus on self-criticism (inadequate-self and hated-self) and self-reassurance (reassured-self) in Czech students who suffered from high prevalence of mental health problems. Convenience sample of 119 undergraduates completed the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 and the Forms of the Self-Criticizing/Attacking & Self-Reassuring Scale. Correlation and path analyses were conducted. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines were used to aid an accurate and complete report of the study. Depression, anxiety, and stress were positively associated with inadequate-self and hated-self while negatively associated with reassured-self. Both inadequate-self and hated-self partially mediated the stress–depression and stress–anxiety relationships, whereas reassured-self only partially mediated the stress–depression relationship. Inadequate-self had greater impact on the stress–depression/anxiety pathways than hated-self and reassured-self. Findings indicate that clinical treatment may benefit from targeting the feelings of inadequacy to prevent stress progressing to psychopathology. This is particularly relevant as stress levels are rising globally. Our findings offer developments to the Transactional Model, and help practitioners and educators identify solutions to protect mental health of Czech university students.

scholarly journals Depressive Symptoms in Swiss University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Correlates

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Volken ◽  
Annina Zysset ◽  
Simone Amendola ◽  
Anthony Klein Swormink ◽  
Marion Huber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
University Students ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
National Population ◽  
Student Cohorts ◽  
Containment Measures

Background: COVID-19 containment measures and the uncertainties associated with the pandemic may have contributed to changes in mental health risks and mental health problems in university students. Due to the high burden of the disease, depression is of particular concern. However, knowledge about the prevalence of depressive symptoms in Swiss university students during the pandemic is limited. We therefore assessed the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their change during the COVID-19 pandemic in a large sample of Swiss university students. Methods: We assessed depressive symptoms in two cross-sectional cohorts of university students (n = 3571) in spring and autumn 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and compared them with a matched sample of the Swiss national population (n = 2328). Binary logistic regression models estimated prevalence with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: Adjusted prevalence of depressive symptoms in female (30.8% (95% CI: 28.6–33.0)) and male students (24.8% (95% CI: 21.7–28.1)) was substantially higher than in the matching female (10.9% (95% CI: 8.9–13.2)) and male (8.5% (6.6–11.0)) pre-pandemic national population. Depressive symptoms in the two consecutive student cohorts did not significantly differ. Conclusions: More than a quarter of Swiss university students reported depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was substantially higher as compared to the matched general population. Universities should introduce measures to support students in such times of crisis and gain an understanding of the factors impacting mental health positively or negatively and related to university structures and procedures.

scholarly journals Impact of ethnicity, unemployment and economy on mental disorders : A study from Western Nepal

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 306-315
Author(s):  
Indrajit Banerjee ◽  
Indraneel Banerjee ◽  
Bedanta Roy ◽  
Brijesh Sathian ◽  
Shovit Kadkha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Psychiatric Illness ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Ethnic Variation ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Economic Class ◽  
Specific Objective

Background: The causes of mental health problems and ethnic variation are poorlyunderstood. The main objective of the study was to find out about psychiatricdiseases which frequently occur in Western Nepal for which hospitalization isrequired. The specific objective was to research about theeconomic condition ofthe psychiatric patients and the prevalence of common psychiatric disorderwitnessed among hospitalized patients who belong to diverse ethnic and culturalgroups in Western Nepal. Materials and Methods: It was a cross sectional studywhich was conducted in between 1st October 2009 and 31th March 2010 between at Manipalteaching hospital, Pokhara, Nepal. Odds ratios and adjusted odds ratio andtheir 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. p < 0.05 wasconsidered as statistically significant. Results: Out of 240 cases the commonestcases of psychiatric disorders include Schizophrenia, Schizotypal and DelusionDisorders 36.3%, Mood Disorders 27.9%, Neurotic, stress-related and somatoformdisorders 15.8%. Study based on ethnicity revealed that the majority ofpatients were Dalit [n= 72] followed by Brahmin [n = 66], Chettri [n = 46],Newar [n = 19], Gurung [n = 17], others [n = 13] and Magar and Pun [n = 7].Most of the patients were <40yrs [n=191] unemployed [n=199], monthly familyincome <10000 NPR/month [n= 187], students [n = 102] housewives [n = 74,], job holders [n= 17]. Study showed that Mental and Behavioural disorder due toPsychoactive Substance abuse, Schizophrenia, Schizotypal and Delusion DisordersMood (Affective) Disorders, Neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorderswere prevalent among unemployed patients [OR 8.170(CI 1.062, 62.853)], [OR3.033(CI 1.334, 6.897)], [OR 0.413(CI 0.199, 0.856)[OR 0.228(CI 0.089,0.583)]as compared to employed patients(p=0.001). Conclusion: Schizophrenia was the commonestpsychiatric disorder among the low socio-economic class of like Dalits. The study showed that culture based differences concerning mental health is furthermediated by poverty, unemployment and dearth of family income which leads tohigh prevalence of psychiatric illness among Nepalese population. Based on thefinding of the study, interventions should target these factors to minimise theload of various psychiatric illness among poor Dalit Nepalese population.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nje.v4i1.10132Nepal Journal of Epidemiology 2014;4 (1): 306-315Keywords:Culture, Ethnicity,Nepal, Psychiatry

scholarly journals A repeated cross-sectional survey assessing university students' stress, depression, anxiety, and suicidality in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agata Debowska ◽  
Beata Horeczy ◽  
Daniel Boduszek ◽  
Dariusz Dolinski
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Adult Students ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Medical Psychology ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background The time of widespread outbreaks of infectious diseases can lead to elevated stress and mental health problems among all persons affected, and in particular those sub-groups of the population that are at an increased risk of mental health problems. One such vulnerable group constitutes university students. The aim of this study is to assess stress, depression, anxiety, and suicidality among different groups of university students (medical, psychology, and other). Methods Using a repeated cross-sectional study design, we collected survey data among a large sample of 7228 university students from Poland (mean age = 22.78, s.d. = 4.40; 81% female). Data were collected in five waves, during the first 2 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe (March and April 2020). Results The results demonstrate a significant increase in depression levels as the pandemic was progressing. We also found that female students scored significantly higher than male students on depression, anxiety, and stress. Psychology students recorded the lowest scores on depression and anxiety. Young adult students (aged 18–24 years) had more symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidality than adult students (⩾25 years). Conclusions These results provide insights into stress and mental health among university students during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings can be used for a more effective identification of students who may struggle during next stages of the pandemic and future crises.

scholarly journals DOES CAFFEINE INTAKE INFLUENCE MENTAL HEALTH OF MEDICAL STUDENTS?

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 22-28
Author(s):  
Zaleha Md Isa ◽  
Afraah Amani Anuar ◽  
Amirul Danial Azmi ◽  
Sanjeevaraj Tamil Selvan ◽  
Noor Shafiqah Hisham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Caffeine Intake ◽  
Caffeine Consumption ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevalence Of Depression ◽  
Relationship Of

Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) consumption among students is known to increase alertness and energy, as well as to alleviate stress. There has been an increase of caffeine consumption amongst young adults. Currently, there are no studies regarding caffeine consumption and its influence on mental health among Malaysians. We aimed to determine the relationship of caffeine consumption with depression, anxiety and stress among medical students. A cross sectional study was conducted among medical students in the Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Data were collected via an online survey using two questionnaires, namely the semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaires on Caffeine Intake and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). A total of 262 medical students completed the survey. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was 9.2%, 16.8% and 1.1%, respectively. Majority of students (98.5%) consumed caffeine from coffee, tea, soft drinks, energy drinks and chocolate drinks/food. The median daily caffeine consumption among consumers was 67.98 (25th,75th percentile: 24.83, 139.71) mg/day. There was a significant association between race and anxiety (p=0.038) in which the Malay students had the highest prevalence (21.1%), followed by Indian (16.1%), other races (15.4%) and Chinese students (3.8%). Caffeine consumption did not influence mental health of medical students in this study. Anxiety is the most prominent mental health problem among them. We recommend a programme tailored to medical students in recognising symptoms of mental health problems so that early intervention can be carried out.

scholarly journals Mental health of adults in Ireland during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from a nationally representative, longitudinal study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Hyland ◽  
Frédérique Vallières ◽  
Orla McBride ◽  
Jamie Murphy ◽  
Mark Shevlin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Mental Health Disorder ◽  
First Year ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Prevalence Estimates ◽  
Significant Change ◽  
Nationally Representative

Objective: Emerging evidence indicates that the mental health consequences of COVID-19 may not be as deleterious as initially feared. We analyzed the levels of symptom expression and rates of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and COVID-19 related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (C19-PTSD) in the adult population of Ireland at different points during the first year of the pandemic.Methods: Data were collected from a nationally representative sample of 1041 adults across five waves from March/April 2020 to March/April 2021. New participants were recruited at follow-up waves to maintain nationally representative cross-sectional estimates. Cross-sectional estimates of each and any disorder were calculated, and longitudinal changes in means and prevalence estimates of MDD, GAD, and C19-PTSD were assessed using structural equation modelling.Results: Cross-sectional estimates of meeting criteria for MDD, GAD, or C19-PTSD were 34.7% in March/April 2020 (Wave 1) and 33.7% in March/April 2021 (Wave 5). Longitudinal analyses revealed no significant change in symptoms of MDD, a significant decrease in GAD symptoms, and a significant increase in C19-PTSD symptoms. There were significant decreases in prevalence estimates of MDD (by 4.9%) and GAD (by 6.3%), and no significant change in C19-PTSD. Overall, 4.7% fewer people met criteria for any disorder at Wave 5 than at Wave 1. Conclusion: There was no evidence of an increase in mental health problems in the adult population during the first year of the pandemic in Ireland. Analyses of longitudinal data indicated a small but significant decrease in the proportion of people suffering from a mental health disorder.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health of University Students in Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafiz Muhammad Asif ◽  
Hafiz Abdul Sattar
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Sampling Procedure ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: A novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 was identified as the cause of COVID-19 eventually led to the declaration of Public health emergency of international concern and a pandemic by WHO due to its exponential global spread. Present study was conducted to investigate the impact of second wave of pandemic on mental wellbeing and social behaviors among university students of Pakistan during this crucial period of COVID-19 infection. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was designed to evaluate the psychosocial impact during the current COVID-19 outbreak among the students of The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Snowball sampling or chain referral sampling procedure was adopted to recruit the participants in the study. Verbal informed consent was taken from all participants before recruitment in the study irrespective of their gender, age and socioeconomic status. Results: Mental health of university students during COVID-19 epidemic was affected to a varying degree revealing that 26.66% were recorded to have mild, 27.15% moderate and 17.04% suffering from severe anxiety out of total 1029 students. Students who were residing in urban areas with parents and having a steady family income were negatively associated and found protective factors against anxiety. However, having a relative or an acquaintance infected with COVID-19 was an independent risk factor for experienced anxiety. Positively associated factors with the level of anxiety symptoms included economic stressors, effects on daily-life, and academic delays whereas social support was negatively correlated with anxiety in COVID-19 related stressors. Conclusion: Public health emergencies and such pandemic are exerting serious psychological impacts on university students. It is recommended that the higher authorities should plan better policies to reduce this impact for the provision of high quality and timely crisis-oriented psychological services to university students.

scholarly journals Mental Health and Well-Being of University Students in Okinawa

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Ratanasiripong ◽  
Takashi China ◽  
Shiho Toyama
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
University Students ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mental Health Issues

With increasing frequency and severity of mental health issues among university students globally as well as limited studies on the mental health of Japanese university students, this study examined the factors that impact the mental health issues of university students in Okinawa. A total of 441 undergraduate students from 3 universities participated in this cross-sectional study. Average age of participants was 20 (range = 18–46, SD = 2.6). Four factors that significantly predicted depression among university students in Okinawa included self-esteem, family economic status, resiliency, and year in school (R2 = 0.37). Two factors that significantly predicted anxiety included self-esteem and family economic status (R2 = 0.26). Three factors that significantly predicted stress included self-esteem, family economic status, and year in school (R2 = 0.28). This study contributes to the understanding of specific factors that impact depression, anxiety, and stress for this population. University administrators and faculty have an opportunity to implement programs and services to make positive impact that could reduce mental health problems and improve well-being for students on their campuses.

scholarly journals Psychological Distress Among Smokers in the United States: 2008–2014

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 707-713 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J Zvolensky ◽  
Charles Jardin ◽  
Melanie M Wall ◽  
Misato Gbedemah ◽  
Deborah Hasin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Annual Family Income ◽  
The Past ◽  
Never Smokers

Abstract Introduction Decline in smoking in the United States has slowed over the past 25 years. Mental health problems are common among smokers, and may be an impediment to quitting and remaining abstinent. The study investigated the relationship between serious (past-30-day) psychological distress (SPD) and smoking, estimated trends in the prevalence of SPD among current, former, and never smokers in the United States from 2008 to 2014, and investigated whether heterogeneity in these trends varied by sociodemographic characteristics. Methods Data were drawn from the National Household Survey on Drug Use (NSDUH), an annual cross-sectional study of persons ages 12 and over (N = 270 227). SPD and smoking in the past 30 days were examined using logistic regression models among adults 18 and older. The prevalence of SPD was examined annually among current, former, and never smokers from 2008 to 2014. Results SPD increased among smokers in the United States from 2008 to 2014. An increase in SPD was more rapid among non-daily smokers than daily smokers. The prevalence of SPD was higher among younger smokers, those with less formal education and lower annual family income and higher among current smokers than former and never smokers. The relationships between SPD and smoking were stronger among smokers with higher education levels and annual family income. Conclusions Our findings suggest an increase in SPD among smokers over time and that as smoking has declined, those with SPD are comprising a greater proportion of the remaining smokers. Results suggest that mental health must be integrated into mainstream tobacco control efforts. Implications The greater prevalence and increasing rate of Serious Psychological Distress among smokers, relative to former- and never-smokers, from 2008 to 2014 provides support that the greater mental health burden among smokers may be contributing to the slowed reduction in smoking prevalence in the United States. In addition, relationships between SPD and smoking were consistently stronger among smokers with higher levels of education and annual family income. Such results suggest the necessity of incorporating mental health treatments in tobacco use reduction efforts.

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