Advances in Medical Education and Practice (Dec 2022)
Psychological Status of College Students During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Mona Alanazi1– 3 1College of Nursing, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 2King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 3Ministry of the National Guard – Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Mona Alanazi, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 765, Unit 153, Riyadh, 4575-14813, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966 568100755, Email [email protected]: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of depression, anxiety, and stress among college students in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 outbreak.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between February 10th to April 10th, 2021. An online self-administered questionnaire was emailed to college students at a large institution in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic, educational backgrounds, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21).Results: The study included 311 university students (62.7% female and 39.3% male). The prevalence of higher than moderate level in each of the depression, anxiety, and stress were (n= 164, 52.7%), (n= 222, 71.4%), and (n= 112, 36%), respectively. Further analysis revealed that females, younger age, history of depression, history of being quarantined by a health authority, and having contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 were associated with a greater level of depression, anxiety, and stress.Conclusion: Depression, anxiety, and stress were highly prevalent among college students during the outbreak. There was a significant association between demographic characteristics and the DASS 21 score. Researchers are recommended to concentrate their future studies on establishing strategies to enhance students’ flexibility and adaptability in the face of future catastrophes.Keywords: COVID-19, DASS-21, psychological effect, depression, anxiety, stress, students
