Abstract
Background
Many students struggle with psychological problems during their college years. These problems may be even more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic with the accompanying restrictions and transition to an online learning environment, but few longitudinal studies have been conducted to date. The aim of this study was to compare symptoms of depression, anxiety and suicidality prior to and during the pandemic, and identify stressors.
Methods
This study was conducted among students attending Ulster University, Northern Ireland (NI) and LYIT, Republic of Ireland (ROI), as part of the World Mental Health International College Student Initiative (WMH-ICS). Data was collected from first year students in September 2019. The completed response rate was 25.22% (NI) and 41.9% (ROI) in relation to the number of first-year students registered. A follow up study was conducted in Autumn 2020, with 884 students fully completing the online survey in both years, equating to just under half of those who completed initially.
Results
High levels of mental health problems were found in year 1, especially in the ROI. Levels of depression increased significantly in year 2, particularly among students in NI, however, levels of anxiety decreased. No significant variations were found for suicidal behaviour. Several stressors were revealed, including increased social isolation, and worrying about loved ones.
Limitations
The findings may not be generalised to other student populations.
Conclusions
This study reveals variation in symptoms of depression and anxiety since the onset of the pandemic. In particular, the large increase in students with depression is of concern.
Many students struggle with psychological problems during their college years. These problems may be even more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic with the accompanying restrictions and transition to an online learning environment, but few longitudinal studies have been conducted to date. The aim of this study was to compare symptoms of depression, anxiety and suicidality prior to and during the pandemic, and identify stressors.
Methods
This study was conducted among students attending Ulster University, Northern Ireland (NI) and LYIT, Republic of Ireland (ROI), as part of the World Mental Health International College Student Initiative (WMH-ICS). Data was collected from first year students in September 2019. The completed response rate was 25.22% (NI) and 41.9% (ROI) in relation to the number of first-year students registered. A follow up study was conducted in Autumn 2020, with 884 students fully completing the online survey in both years, equating to just under half of those who completed initially.
Results
High levels of mental health problems were found in year 1, especially in the ROI. Levels of depression increased significantly in year 2, particularly among students in NI, however, levels of anxiety decreased. No significant variations were found for suicidal behaviour. Several stressors were revealed, including increased social isolation, and worrying about loved ones.
Limitations
The findings may not be generalised to other student populations.
Conclusions
This study reveals variation in symptoms of depression and anxiety since the onset of the pandemic. In particular, the large increase in students with depression is of concern.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | PSYCOM_100012 |
| Pages (from-to) | 1-19 |
| Number of pages | 19 |
| Journal | Psychiatry Research Communications |
| Volume | 1 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Early online date | 6 Nov 2021 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - 31 Dec 2021 |
Bibliographical note
© 2021 The Authors.Keywords
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Suicidality
- College Students
- pandemic
