Depression and insomnia among students during COVID-19 pandemic - cross sectional study

Abstract

Introduction/Objective. In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25%, according to the World Health Organization. The objective of the study was to determine the level of depression and insomnia among students in North Macedonia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. A cross-sectional study was performed among students of the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje during May–July of 2021. The anonymous online survey contained questions regarding their sex, age, their opinion and attitude towards the COVID-19 infection, if they had any infection/isolation, and about physical activity during the pandemic. We used scales for assessment of insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index – ISI) and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9 – PHQ-9). Results. The study was completed by 355 participants, 28.4% of them had clinically important insomnia scores and almost 47.5% of the participants presented clinically important depression scores. Female and younger participants had higher scores for both scales. A highly statistically significant, positive correlation was detected between ISI and PHQ-9 scores (ρ = 0.646, p = 4.05 × 10-43), suggesting that during the examined cross-sectional period of the COVID-19 pandemic, depression and insomnia were mutually connected. Conclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a serious impact on mental health of the population, especially on young people, girls, students, and those who live alone. Therefore, we should be prepared for support and treatment of these vulnerable groups, not only as health care services, but also as educational institutions, to provide support to students in terms of consultation and motivation.

Keywords

• pandemic
• covid-19
• adolescents
• insomnia
• depression