Prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study among Palestinian students (10-18 years)

Prevalence of depression among university students in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Depression among university students in China represents a critical public health challenge, with emerging evidence suggesting exacerbated risks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite prior regional studies, a comprehensive national analysis comparing pre-pandemic and pandemic-era prevalence, while accounting for profession-specific stressors, remains lacking. This study aims to quantify depression prevalence across Chinese universities, identify high-risk subgroups, and assess the pandemic's impact.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, CNKI, Wang-fang Database, and Web of Science. The articles were cross-sectional studies focusing on the prevalence of depression among university students in China, with clearly defined criteria for diagnosing depression included. MetaXL 5.3 was used to pool the outcomes and perform a meta-analysis, assessing the prevalence of depression among university students and influential factors such as the impact of COVID-19.

RESULTS

Data from 32 cross-sectional studies (n = 93,679) on depression prevalence among students were analyzed. The prevalence estimates ranged from 12.1% to 77.1%, with a summary prevalence of 34.70% after meta-analytic pooling. Subgroup investigations based on major, sample size, geographical region, gender, and the influence of COVID-19 were conducted. Prior to the pandemic, student depression prevalence was 35.0% (95%CI, 26.9%-43.4%), which increased to 38.7% (95%CI, 33.6%-44.0%) during and after the pandemic.

DISCUSSION

This study underscores a substantial mental health burden among Chinese university students, intensified by pandemic-related disruptions. Medical students and those in high-stress regions warrant prioritized interventions. Systemic reforms in healthcare education and regionally tailored mental health policies are urgently needed. Longitudinal studies are critical to track post-pandemic recovery trajectories.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

CRD42024502949.

Protective and risk factors of anxiety in children and adolescents during COVID-19: A systematic review and three level meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In order to gain a deepened understanding of the impact of public health emergency and to develop effective interventions and preventions, this study aimed to evaluate risk and protective factors associated with anxiety in children and adolescents and to explore potential moderators in the background of COVID-19 within the framework of socio-ecological model.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted in Web of Science, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, ScienceDirect, Emerald, and CNKI for studies published from early 2020 to early 2023 that examined factors associated with anxiety among children and adolescents with age range of 6 to 17 years old. Random effects models and a three-level meta-analytic approach were used.

RESULTS

In total, 141 articles and 1,018,171 subjects were included, with 1002 effect sizes extracted. 32 protective factors and 48 risk factors were examined, yielding significance for 14 protective factors and 29 risk factors, including individual factors (e.g., gender, logOR = -0.37, 95 % CI [-0.47, -0.27], p < 0.001; age, logOR = -0.12, 95 % CI [-0.22, -0.02], p = 0.02; emotional functioning, logOR = -1.45, 95 % CI [-1.84, -1.05], p < 0.001; pre-existing condition logOR = 0.94, 95 % CI [0.58, 1.30], p < 0.001; electronic device or internet addiction, logOR = 1.81, 95 % CI [0.74, 2.88], p < 0.001), family factors (e.g., family socioeconomic status, logOR = -0.25, 95 % CI [-0.39, -0.10], p < 0.001; family functioning, logOR = -1.31, 95 % CI [-1.60, -1.02], p < 0.001; anxiety level of caregiver, logOR = 1.06, 95 % CI [0.75, 1.37], p < 0.001), community factors (e.g., overall social support, logOR = -0.93, 95 % CI [-1.84, -1.05], p < 0.001; school burden, logOR = 0.56, 95 % CI [0.21, 0.90], p = 0.002), and COVID-19-related factors (e.g., higher exposure risk in local community or city, logOR = 0.48, 95 % CI [0.17, 0.78], p = 0.002; distant learning, logOR = 0.73, 95 % CI [0.19, 1.28], p = 0.008; COVID-19-related distress, logOR = 1.42, 95 % CI [0.55, 2.29], p = 0.001;). The majority of studies showed no publication bias. Age group moderated the relationship between gender and level of anxiety (F (1,96) = 4.42, p = 0.038), and no other moderator showed significance.

LIMITATIONS

This study does not reveal causality but correlation in nature, and our findings should be interpretated with caution.

CONCLUSIONS

Public health emergencies could bring challenges to the mental health of children and adolescents. Prevention and intervention strategies for children and adolescents with high risks, and family-based and community-based programs should be encouraged to buffer the adverse impact on children and adolescents. This study has been prospectively registered at PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42022316746).

Depression and academic performance among youths in armed conflict areas in North Wollo, Ethiopia: Structural equation modeling

BACKGROUND

Adolescents living in war-affected areas are more likely to suffer from depression than adolescents living outside war-affected areas. However, there is limited evidence from Northern Ethiopia that was affected by armed conflicts. This study was conducted to assess the magnitude of depression and to identify inter-related factors with depression and academic performance in armed conflict-affected areas of North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia.

METHODS

A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among high school students in North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia. A multistage sampling method was used, and the study participants were selected using simple random sampling. The Structural Equation Model was used to verify the hypothesized relationship between various internal and external or mediating factors. The effect size was provided using standardized beta coefficients, 95% CI, and statistical significance defined as a p-value <.05.

RESULTS

Out of 3,400 study participants, 48.1% (95% CI [46.5%, 49.8%]) endorsed depressive symptoms. Being female (β = .05, 95% CI [0.011, 0.087]), far from family because of education (β = .10, 95% CI [0.060, 0.134]), anxiety (β = .95, 95% CI [0.893, 1.011]), and alcohol use (β = .14, 95% CI [0.108, 0.180]) had a significant and positive association with a total direct effect on depression. Conversely, academic performance (β = -.04, 95% CI [-0.061, -0.011]) had a significant and negative association with a total direct effect on depression.

CONCLUSION

This study found a much higher magnitude of depression among students in conflict-affected areas compared to non-affected areas. High school students, particularly girls in conflict-affected areas, need social support and special protection. Additional efforts are needed to ensure safety and security in high schools and establish student support systems such as student counseling and guidance services.

The relationship between COVID-19 anxiety and self-efficacy among adolescent students: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The spread of the COVID-19 epidemic, as well as its high contagiousness, increased students' anxiety and stress. Anxiety may affect individuals' functioning and undermine their self-efficacy. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the relationship between COVID-19 anxiety and self-efficacy among adolescent students.

METHOD

This cross-sectional descriptive correlational study was conducted on 306 adolescent students in southern Iran. The research tools were the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale consisting of physical and psychological dimensions of anxiety and the Self-Efficacy Scale composed of three subscales: academic, social, and emotional self-efficacy. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25. Pearson correlation was used to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 anxiety and self-efficacy using the total score of both scales and their dimensions as well. T-Test and one-way ANOVA were used to see whether sociodemographic variables of participants significantly varied in self-efficacy and COVID-19 anxiety.

RESULTS

The mean score of COVID-19 anxiety was 11.70 ± 9.25, representing mild anxiety, and the mean score of the psychological dimension was higher than that of the physical dimension. The mean self-efficacy score was 81.29 ± 12.98 indicating high level of self-efficacy. In addition, the mean score of academic self-efficacy was higher than that of social and emotional self-efficacy. There was an inverse, significant, and mild to moderate relationship between COVID-19 anxiety and the total score of self-efficacy (r = -.28, p < .001) and all its dimensions (r = -. 18, p = .002 for social and academic self-efficacy; r = -.32, p <. 001 for emotional self-efficacy). While the physical dimension of COVID-19 anxiety correlated significantly and negatively with self-efficacy total and subscale scores, the mental subscale of COVID-19 anxiety only correlated with the self-efficacy total score (r = -.20, p < .001) and emotional self-efficacy (r = -.28, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

The study results revealed that the higher the COVID-19 anxiety, the lower the self-efficacy among adolescents. It is important to prioritize the enhancement of self-efficacy among adolescents to ensure their success across various life domains including managing stressors brought about by pandemics like COVID-19. This requires a collaborative effort from parents and teachers as they are a primary source of reassurance and information. Parents and teachers can also serve as role models in showcasing resilience and positive coping with the pandemic and allow adolescent students to master adaptive coping and provide positive reinforcement for effective behaviors.

Depression Takes a Toll on Academic Performance: Evidence from Rural Students in China

Purpose

Depression is a growing public health concern around the world. For adolescents, depression not only impedes healthy development, but is negatively associated with academic performance. The purpose of this paper is to examine the prevalence of adolescent depressive symptoms in a sample of rural primary and junior high school students. Additionally, we examine various factors to identify subgroups within the sample that may be more vulnerable to depression. Finally, we explore the extent to which depression correlates with academic performance and conduct a series of heterogeneity analyses.

Patients and Methods

We utilize cross-sectional data derived from 30 schools in underdeveloped regions of rural China encompassing primary and junior high school students (n = 1,609).

Results

We find a high prevalence of depression, with 23% and 9% of students experiencing general depression (depression score ≥ 14) and severe depression (depression score ≥ 21), respectively. Female gender, elevated stress and anxiety levels, boarding at school, exposure to bullying, and having depressed caregiver(s) are positively correlated with depressive symptoms, while high social support exhibits a negative association. Importantly, our analyses consistently show a significantly negative link between depression and academic performance, which is measured using standardized math tests. For instance, transitioning from a non-depressed state to a state of general depression (depression score ≥ 14) is linked to a decline of 0.348-0.406 standard deviations in math scores (p < 0.01). Heterogeneity analyses reveal that this adverse relationship is more pronounced for male students, boarding students, those with lower social support, individuals with more educated mothers, and those with lower family assets.

Conclusion

Our findings underscore the high prevalence of depression in rural schools and the detrimental impact on academic performance. We advocate for the implementation of policies aimed at reducing student depression, particularly within vulnerable populations and subgroups.

Qi stagnation and qi deficiency are associated with depression in college students

Objective

The current study aims to investigate the correlations between qi stagnation, qi deficiency, and depression levels among college students.

Method

This study investigated 403 college students and measured their levels of depression, qi stagnation, and qi deficiency to analyze the relationship between these three variables. Pearson correlation and linear regression statistical techniques were utilized.

Results

(1) On average, college students reported mild depressive symptoms; (2) college students manifested low levels of qi stagnation and qi deficiency. (3) There exists a strong positive correlation between qi stagnation and qi deficiency; (4) a moderate positive correlation is present between depression and both qi stagnation and qi deficiency among college students. All these results support the mechanism by which qi stagnation and qi deficiency contribute to depression in traditional Chinese medicine theory.

Conclusion

Qi stagnation and qi deficiency are moderately associated with depression levels in college students. It is feasible to use traditional Chinese physical therapy for qi regulation to alleviate depressive symptoms among college students.

A bibliometric analysis of anxiety and depression among primary school students

Background

Rising anxiety and depression in primary school students adversely affect their development and academics, burdening families and schools. This trend necessitates urgent, focused research within this young demographic. This alarming trend calls for a systematic bibliometric analysis to develop effective preventative and remedial strategies.

Objectives

This study aims to identify and analyze the prevailing research hotspots and emerging trends concerning anxiety and depression in primary school students, thereby furnishing a foundational reference for future academic endeavors in this area.

Methods

This study uses the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection database as the data source, focusing on literature published between 2013 and 2023 concerning anxiety and depression in primary school students. An initial search identified 1852 articles, which were then manually screened to exclude duplicates, conferences, announcements, and unrelated literature, resulting in 1791 relevant articles. The analysis, executed on December 31, 2023, employed CiteSpace and Vosviewer tools to assess various bibliometric indicators including authorship, country, institutional affiliations, publication trends, keyword frequency, and citation analysis.

Results

The analysis revealed a corpus of 1,791 English-language articles, with a discernible upward trend in publications over the decade. The USA and China were the leading countries in this field, with 482and 272 papers, respectively. The research predominantly addresses the etiological factors of anxiety and depression, various intervention strategies, and the comorbidities associated with these conditions in the target population. Key research focuses have been identified in areas such as suicidal thoughts, bullying in schools, the impact of COVID-19, mindfulness interventions, and anxiety related to mathematics. Future research is projected to increasingly focus on the effects of mathematics anxiety on the psychological and behavioral outcomes in students.

Conclusion

This study provides a critical visual and analytical overview of the key research areas and trends in the field of anxiety and depression among primary school students. It underscores the necessity of concentrating on the underlying causes and potential interventions. Such focused research is imperative for mitigating the mental health challenges faced by young students and enhancing their educational and developmental outcomes.

Depression anxiety stress and fear of COVID-19 among adolescent students and its relationship with possible predictors

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic prolonged lockdowns, school closures requiring online education support, and uncertainty about examinations caused stress in students.

Aim

To estimate the levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and fear of COVID-19 in adolescent students of Jamnagar and its relationship with possible predictors.

Materials and Methods

This is a cross-sectional study using a proportionate probability sampling method during the third wave of COVID-19 of 4423 adolescent students of Jamnagar, Gujarat. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) measured the main construct. T-tests for two independent samples and multiple linear regression analysis were used to assess the relationship.

Results

Among the adolescent students, 14.81% had moderate fear, while severe fear was found in 3.37%. Moderate or severe depression was observed in 1.31% and 0.16% of students, respectively; severe and extremely severe anxiety was present in 0.65% and 0.11% of students; and stress was found to be moderate in 0.23%. Depression was associated with education, anxiety with education, gender, and a history of COVID-19 in the family and stress with a history of COVID-19 infection in the family and fear of COVID-19 with gender, standard of class, geographical area, socioeconomic class, and father's education.

Conclusion

In our study, the students having a higher fear of COVID-19 were found to have higher depression, anxiety, and stress. The factors associated with a lower level of psychological impact can be used to formulate the interventions needed for the betterment of adolescent mental health.

Prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress and their risk and protective factors among secondary students in Rwanda during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION

Compelling evidence shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has detrimental effects on the mental health of university students. However, little is known about the psychological distress experienced by students from high schools during the pandemic. This study, therefore, sought to examine the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress and their associated factors among students from high schools in Rwanda.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted on 384 students randomly selected from high schools. Data were collected using standardized measures of mental disorders and their associated factors. Bivariate and multivariate analyses based on the odds ratio were used to indicate the associated factors of anxiety, depression, and stress.

RESULTS

The results indicated that slightly above half of the participants (51%, n = 195) had clinically significant symptoms of depression, 30.3% (n = 116) had stress and 67.3% (n = 259) had anxiety. Our analyses identified several key risk factors associated with increased odds of these mental disorders. These include exposure to domestic violence, COVID-19 symptoms like cough and myalgia, eating twice per day, having one of the three mental disorders, gender, with females showing higher susceptibility, and direct contact with the people who positively tested covid-19. Conversely, protective factors such as heightened awareness about Covid-19, positive mental health, social support, eating three times, belonging to the third Ubudehe category, and a high resilience emerged as significant elements mitigating the risks of these mental health challenges within our sample. Intriguingly, religious affiliation emerged as a notable factor, with students affiliated with the Witness of Jehovah and Adventist denominations exhibited lower risks for depression and anxiety.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlighted a high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among students from secondary schools. Interestingly, this study also revealed the associated risk and protective factors of depression, anxiety, and stress in Rwandan students in high schools. Therefore, mental health interventions targeting the impact of COVID-19 on students, as young people are needed.

The association between night eating syndrome and GERD symptoms among university students at An-Najah National University in Palestine: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Night eating syndrome (NES) is a kind of eating disorder. NES association with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms among university students is still not fully understood. We aimed to determine the relationship between NES and the presence of GERD symptoms among university students at An-Najah National University in Palestine.

METHODS

This study involved undergraduate students from An-Najah National University. The data were collected through online surveys from November to December 2023. The sampling frame involved voluntary sampling, as the data were collected using a structured questionnaire to collect data on sociodemographic variables, medical history, lifestyle habits, nutritional status, GERD risk, and NES. The GERD questionnaire (GerdQ) was used to assess symptoms, while the Arabic version of the validated Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) was used to assess night eating. Physical activity was assessed using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (SF-IPAQ), and adherence to a Mediterranean diet was assessed using the validated Arabic version of the MEDAS. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were also conducted to assess the study hypotheses.

RESULTS

The study involved 554 participants, 59.9% female. A total of 33.4% reported GERD symptoms, with 10.3% having NES. A strong association was observed between GERD and NES and between GERD and physical activity. Night eating syndrome (AOR = 2.84, CI = 1.07-3.19), high physical activity (AOR = 0.473, CI = 1.05-3.19), and non-smoking (AOR = 0.586, CI = 1.27-7.89) were identified as independent predictors of GERD symptoms.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that 33.4% of undergraduate students were at risk of GERD, with night eaters having a greater risk. GERD risk was negatively associated with physical activity level and smoking status. No associations were found between GERD risk and weight status, Mediterranean diet adherence, sociodemographic factors, or sleep disturbances.

Mental health disorders among medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic in the area with no mandatory lockdown: a multicenter survey in Tanzania

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a major public health concern worldwide. It forced many countries to enforce lockdowns, leading to the closure of higher learning institutions. The abrupt shift in the lifestyle of students had a profound impact on their mental health. This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with mental health conditions among university students in Tanzania during the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 425 students from six medical universities and colleges in Tanzania completed an online survey and was included in the analysis. The questionnaire consisted of validated Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21) questions (Cronbach's alpha = 0.92) assessing the presence of mental health symptoms: depression, anxiety, and stress. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to explain the factors associated with mental health conditions. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant in all inferential analyses. The median age (interquartile range) of the participants was 24 (22-26). The prevalence of mental health conditions was 28.94%, 54.12%, and 15.06% for depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively, while the prevalence of having any mental health condition was 58.59%. In an adjusted regression model, being in the fourth and fifth years of study and living with a spouse were significantly associated with increased odds of depression: AOR = 5.99 (1.31-27.47), AOR = 5.52 (1.18-25.81), and AOR = 1.84 (1.08-3.15), respectively. Moreover, studying in private universities and living with a spouse were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of anxiety: AOR = 2.35 (1.72-2.76), and AOR = 2.32 (1.20-4.50), respectively. The likelihood of stress was only among participants studying in private universities; AOR = 2.90 (1.60-5.27). The study revealed alarmingly high rates of mental health conditions among medical students in Tanzania during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings suggest the need for regular checkups for medical students regarding their mental health status. Additionally, it recommends that the government and other stakeholders establish mental health services within the universities for the effective prevention of the rising burden of mental health problems among universities in Tanzania and other countries with similar settings.

Depression, anxiety, stress symptoms and their determinants among secondary students with vision impairment in rural Northwestern China during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective

The measures implemented to control the spread of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) could affect children's mental and vision health. Youth particularly from minority and socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds were more likely to be impacted by these measures. This study aimed to examine the mental health of children with vision impairment and associated factors in North-western China during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,036 secondary school children living in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Participants completed a survey on sociodemographic and lifestyle information and answered the Chinese version of the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) questionnaire. Presenting visual acuity was measured by a trained enumerator. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify potential risk factors for mental health problems.

Results

Responses from 1,992 (97.8%) children were included in the analysis after excluding those with incomplete mental health outcome data. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms within the dataset were 28.9, 46.4, and 22.3%, respectively. The distribution of children with different stress levels differed significantly between those with and without vision impairment (p = 0.03). Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that depression symptoms decreased with higher parental education (OR, 0.76, 95% confidence intervals (CI):0.63-0.96), longer sleep duration (OR, 0.90, 95% CI: 0.81-0.97) and longer study time (OR, 0.82, 95% CI: 0.74-0.91), whereas they increased with higher recreational screen time (OR, 1.19, 95% CI: 1.08-1.32). Anxiety symptoms decreased with higher parental education (OR, 0.80, 95% CI: 0.66-0.96) and increased with higher recreational screen time (OR, 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04-1.27) and being a left-behind child (OR, 1.26, 95% CI: 1.04-1.54). In addition, stress symptoms decreased with longer sleep duration (OR, 0.92, 95%CI: 0.85-0.99) and increased with higher number of siblings (OR, 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01-1.19), higher recreational screen time (OR, 1.15, 95% CI: 1.04-1.28) and older age (OR,1.12, 95% CI: 1.004-1.24).

Conclusion

A considerable proportion of our sample experienced mental health problems during the pandemic. Healthcare planners in China should consider interventions such as reducing recreational screen time, ensuring sufficient sleep, and timely detection of mental health symptoms among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.

Adolescents' electronic devices use during the COVID-19 pandemic and its relationship to anxiety and depression levels: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among adolescent students in the West Bank region of Palestine, with a particular focus on the impact of electronic device usage on their mental well-being.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included a representative sample of 1,140 adolescents enrolled in governmental secondary schools. We targeted schools located in Nablus, Ramallah, and Hebron districts, which, respectively, represent the northern, central, and southern regions of the West Bank. We collected data on their sociodemographic characteristics, patterns of electronic device usage, scores from the Beck Depression Inventory-II, and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, all gathered through a self-administered online questionnaire. To explore the independent relationship between anxiety, depression, and various factors, we calculated odds ratios and their corresponding 95% CI using a binary logistic regression model.

RESULTS

The study revealed a prevalence of moderate to severe anxiety at 35.4% [95% CI: 32.7-38.3%] and moderate to severe depression at 23.9% [95% CI: 21.4-26.4%]. Notably, anxiety scores were significantly higher among females [OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 2.5-5.9], individuals with lower academic performance [OR = 3.4, 95% CI: 2.1-5.4], and smokers [OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.0]. Similarly, significantly elevated depressive scores were observed among females [OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.3-3.1], those with lower academic performance [OR = 3.4, 95% CI: 2.1-5.4], and smokers [OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3-2.8]. Conversely, students who used electronic devices for shorter durations were less likely to experience depression [OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.32-0.76] or anxiety [OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.32-0.69].

CONCLUSION

Considering the alarming rates of anxiety and depression in adolescents, along with their connection to the time spent using electronic devices, we strongly recommend the creation of initiatives and support networks to alleviate this issue's impact. Encouraging healthier lifestyles, such as reducing screen time and increasing physical activity, could potentially enhance the mental well-being of adolescents.

An Application of Yagna Pathy: A Spiritual, Cost-Effective, Indigenous Low-Intensity Psychological Intervention to Manage Common Mental Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study in India

Elements of Common Mental Disorders (CMD) like stress, depression and anxiety are significant contributors to the global burden of disease. Even though they affect people at all socioeconomic levels, most of those in the low-income and middle-income populations lack access to efficient psychological and pharmaceutical interventions. One potential solution to this issue is the application of indigenous low-intensity psychological interventions like Yagna Pathy. The current cross sectional pilot study includes a total of 426 heterogenous group of people suffering from Stress, Anxiety and Depression (both in normal and diseased range) received Yagna pathy for 30 days. The severity of the stress, anxiety and depression was evaluated using a validated depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) score questionnaire. A significant association (chi square, p < 0.001) was found between the mental healing with gender and activity status of the participants. Strong inter-correlation (R2 > 0.7; p < 0.001) among features of stress, anxiety and depression also proved the manifoldness of the CMD. Improvements in DAS scores demonstrate the effectiveness of a well-directed Yagna practice maintained for a predetermined amount of time in managing stress, anxiety, and depression. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of the responses was also found to be "excellent". Therefore, the study showcased that indigenous practices like Yagna Pathy could effectively minimize the severity of CMD. This approach is non-medicated, non-invasive, and cost-effective, making it a practicable therapy for global implementation.

Reduced Libido Is a Major Factor in Decreased Erectile Function among Men with Mild COVID-19

During the Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, among men infected with SARS-CoV-2, little attention has been given to reduced libido and its associations with decreased erectile function, even though there may be physical and psychological factors that contribute to the two. So the purpose of the study is to determine the correlation between decreased erectile function and reduced libido in SARS-CoV-2 infected people during the COVID-19 pandemic and to describe the associated clinical, psychic, and lifestyle parameters. We recruited 321 eligible men with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the urology clinic of our hospital. We used the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) module, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to independently evaluate the subjects, collect relevant data, and analyze the data. In this study, we show that both libido and erectile function were decreased after SARS-CoV-2 infection ($p<0.0001$), and reduced libido was strongly correlated with decreased erectile function ($p<0.0001$; odds ratio (OR) = 11.33). In addition, anxiety (OR = 2.41, CI = 1.13–5.23), ($p<0.05$), symptomatic infection (OR = 3.293, CI = 1.11–11.48), ($p<0.05$), and body mass index (OR = 0.88, CI = 0.83–0.92), ($p<0.05$) were also associated with decreased erectile function. So, we think that during the COVID-19 pandemic, for erectile dysfunction patients who decreased erectile function after SARS-CoV-2 infection, we should not only pay attention to patients’ erectile function status but also to patients’ reduced libido status.

COVID-19 school closures and mental health of adolescent students: Evidence from rural Mozambique

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, entailing widespread school closures as well as acute disruptions to household livelihoods, had substantial consequences for adolescent well-being in low-income countries. We present novel evidence about the prevalence of mental health challenges among adolescent students in rural Mozambique using data from an in-person survey conducted in 105 schools in 2021, immediately following the post-pandemic school reopening. In our sample, 31% of students reported low levels of well-being (though only 10% suffer from high anxiety): students enrolled in schools that used a wider variety of distance learning measures and who had more robust social networks reported lower anxiety, while students who experienced household-level disruptions linked to the pandemic reported higher anxiety and lower well-being.

Burden of mental health disorders and synthesis of community-based mental health intervention measures among adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic in low middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant lockdown could have negatively impacted adolescent mental health. The synthesised burden of mental health illness among adolescents during or after the pandemic is unknown in Low Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). The objective was to ascertain the pooled prevalence of mental health disorders among adolescents aged 10 - 19 years and to systematically review & conduct a descriptive synthesis of community-based mental health intervention measures in addressing adolescent mental health disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic in LMICs.

METHODS

The literature was searched in Embase, PubMed, and Scopus and selected the relevant studies. The data was extracted from the selected studies, and its quality was assessed using adapted Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scales. Meta-analysis was performed using random effects model to pool the prevalence of mental health disorders. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated through Cochran's Q test & I2 statistic.

RESULTS

Thirty-five studies were selected out of 7955 identified studies. Most of the studies (n = 7, each) were from India and Iran. The majority of research works were community-based (n = 18), conducted in 2020 (23 articles), and participant interviews were conducted through online mode (n = 21). Varied instruments were used to measure the burden of mental health in different settings. Pooled prevalence (95% confidence intervals) of anxiety, depression and stress was found to be 43.69 (18.58-68.80)%, 47.02 (31.72-62.32)% and 39.97 (30.53-49.40)%, respectively, with high heterogeneity between the studies. No studies reported community-based mental health interventions.

CONCLUSION

There has been a higher prevalence of anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health illnesses, among adolescents in LMICs during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to note that no existing literature directly addresses community-based interventions for these common mental health illnesses. It is imperative to prepare the health system for early identification and management of common mental health illness among the adolescent age group in the event of any future disaster.

Quality of life is associated with vaccine reluctance via mental health and fear of covid-19: an exploratory investigation on a Palestinian sample

Quality of life (QoL) has been studied as an antecedent of good mental health in contexts characterized by extreme poverty and acute conflict. The covid-19 crisis exacerbated the risks of health-related consequences in such contexts. Vaccination campaigns have been started worldwide to contain the virus outbreak with high rates of hesitancy and refusal. Our exploratory study sheds light on the relationship between QoL and vaccine reluctance via mental health and fear of covid-19 in a Palestinian population affected by military occupation or socioeconomic marginalization. Who-QolBref, Fcov-19, and Dass were administered to 1122 Palestinian adults living in the occupied territories and Israel. Structural equation modelling was applied to test the relations between variables. Results showed that fear of COVID-19, stress, anxiety and depression mediated the association between QoL and vaccination reluctance with a good model fit (χ2 (5) = 828.37; p = .001; GFI=.93; AGFI=.94; RMSEA=.046; NFI=.94; CFI=.95). QoL and mental health were negatively associated with stress (βX, Y = - .35; p < .001), depression (βX, Y = -.37; p < .001), and anxiety (βX, Y = -.36; p < .001). QoL and fear of COVID- 19 (βX, Y = -.16; p < .001) were inversely correlated. A positive effects was found between stress (βM, Y = .17; p < .001), anxiety (βM, Y = .18; p < .001), and depression (βM, Y = .17; p < .001), fear of COVID-19 and vaccination reluctance (βX, Y = .23; p < .001). According to our findings, Public health measures to ease the social suffering of people with low QoL due to conflict and social marginality might favour the acceptance of the vaccine.

Psycho-emotional distress in children and adolescents in relation to COVID-19 confinement and pandemic: A systematized review : Author lists

A stressor such as a pandemic is a trigger to focus on the study of the psycho-emotional impact on children and adolescents from a nursing care perspective. The aim of this systematized review was to know the impact of the lockdown and COVID-19 pandemic on children (from 2 to 12 years) and adolescent (from 13 to 18 years) in relation to daily routines, as well as the most frequent psycho-emotional manifestations. The research was carried out following PRISMA guidelines and was performed using several databases (PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane). The search was focused on children and adolescent population between 2020 and 2021.The literature search was from November to December 2021. Sixteen articles were used to perform the systematized review. A disruption in daily routines and an increase in psycho-emotional manifestations have been observed in young people, which is understood as a worsening of their psycho-emotional integrity. Higher levels of anxiety and depression in adolescents and hyperactivity and dependence disorders in the children have also been reported. In conclusion, children and adolescents have been affected in the psycho-emotional sphere in the same way as adults, therefore, it is necessary to know the presenting characteristics of this group of people in order to be able to establish an effective nursing approach and help preserve the mental integrity, as well as promote resilience.

Influence of Family and Friends Level of Social Support on Psychological Symptoms Among the Older Adults in Nigeria

Introduction

Numerous studies have established the importance of social support on psychological symptoms among older adults, however, the distinct contribution of different levels of family and friends' social support has not been thoroughly assessed.

Objectives

This study determined the contribution of different levels of friend and family social support (high, moderate, low) on psychological symptoms among the older adults.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 538 older adults attending outpatient clinics at two selected teaching Hospitals in Nigeria from February to July, 2021.The data was collected using the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorders Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. The data was analyzed with SPSS version 23 and logistic regression was used for the inferential analysis.

Results

Older adults with moderate social support from family were 3.6 more likely to have depression symptoms than those with high family social support (AOR = 3.623, 95%CI 1.275-2.875, P = .020). Also, those with moderate family social support (AOR = 2.875, 95%CI 2.425-11.875,P = .002), low family social support (AOR = 2.966, 95%CI 1.312-3.875, P = .007), and low friends social support (AOR = 2.966, 95%CI 1.312-3.875, P = .009) were more likely to have anxiety symptoms than those with high social support.

Conclusion

High social support confers a protective measure against depression and is effective in reducing psychological symptoms among older adults.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental and physical health and overall wellbeing of university students in Portugal

Throughout the pandemic of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2, university students were considered a vulnerable risk group for mental health impairment and wellbeing deterioration. This study aimed at evaluating the pandemic's impact on the physical and mental health and wellbeing among students of a Portuguese university. This cross-sectional study included 913 participants and ran from June to October 2020. Data collected included sociodemographics, three mental health self-report questionnaires (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire and Brief COPE) and lifestyle practices (eating and sleeping patterns, media, and entertainment habits) during the first months of the pandemic, which included a 72-day full national lockdown. Descriptive and correlational statistical analysis were conducted. Students' food habits changed during the pandemic, namely on the consumption of snacks and fast food and, overall, less balanced meals became more prevalent. Additionally, almost 70% of the students reported Body Mass Index changes, while 59% went through sleep pattern changes-these were more pronounced in women and younger students. Over half (67%) of the inquirees exhibited an increase in their stress, depression, and generalized anxiety symptoms. Also, the study demonstrates that students' lifestyles trended negatively during the pandemic and highlights how important regular psychological, health monitoring and emotional support is, amongst this somehow overlooked population throughout the pandemic. Universities should provide support to overcome challenges in future stressful situations. This study might have an impact on how universities and higher education systems approach their students in terms of mental and physical health monitoring and promotion in future situations, non-related with COVID. Moreover, it has a large sample of students well characterized in terms of mental and physical health, which might be of interest for future comparison with other worldwide group of students throughout stressful situations, such as tragic events, wars, pandemics.

Psychological Status of College Students During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia

PURPOSE

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.

A Cross-Sectional Study on the Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms and Its Associated Sociodemographic Factors in Peru during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The present study aims to analyze the prevalence of depressive symptoms and its sociodemographic-associated factors in Peruvian adults. Data was extracted from a nation-wide representative survey in which depression symptoms were measured with the PHQ-9 and sociodemographic information was extracted from household data. Depression severity rates were estimated for each symptom, and responses were modeled through the Rating Scale Model to obtain a depression measure used as dependent variable on a Generalized Mixed Linear Model. The most frequent depression symptoms were emotional, such as discouragement, sad mood, hopelessness, and lack of pleasure when doing activities. Our model showed that, after controlling the effects of all the variables considered, the most relevant predictors were gender, education level, physiographic region, age, marital status, and number of coresidents. Higher depression levels were found in women, people who did not complete higher education, participants living in the Highlands, older adults, single participants, and people living alone. Thus, interventions to promote or prevent depression severity during similar situations as the pandemic should focus on specific sociodemographic groups and their particular needs.

Feelings of Polish and Palestinian Students after Receiving Vaccinations against COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has limited human freedom in many areas. Developing a COVID-19 vaccine has been a key task to contain the spread of the virus. In many countries, there is increasing concern about anti-vaccines due to complications after receiving the vaccine. The research problem concerns the opinions of Polish and Palestinian students after receiving vaccinations against COVID-19. This study involved 657 respondents (332 from Poland and 325 from Palestine) who completed the original questionnaire online. The respondents present two different cultures, embedded in different existential conditions, also in terms of health care, and especially the availability of vaccines. The obtained data indicate that almost 50% of research participants from both countries believe that vaccines are an effective antidote to the pandemic situation. Respondents in both populations believed that it was their personal choice to undergo vaccinations. The social motivation for vaccination in both groups was the desire to participate in public life, and the possibility of free travel for Poles, and the fear of infecting other people for Palestinians. The most common side effect reported after vaccination was pain at the site of the infection. Medical assistance was more often sought by respondents from Palestine. From an existential, psychosocial and health perspective, vaccines contributed to strengthening the vital forces in a large part of the population, allowed rebuilding social interactions and gave a sense of security in the daily functioning of a person.

Challenges and Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health: A Systematic Review

The measures put in place to contain the rapid spread of COVID-19 infection, such as quarantine, self-isolation, and lockdown, were supportive but have significantly affected the mental wellbeing of individuals. The primary goal of this study was to review the impact of COVID-19 on mental health. An intensive literature search was conducted using PsycINFO, PsyciatryOnline, PubMed, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases. Articles published between January 2020 and June 2022 were retrieved and appraised. Reviews and retrospective studies were excluded. One hundred and twenty-two (122) relevant articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were finally selected. A high prevalence of anxiety, depression, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorders was reported. Alcohol and substance abuse, domestic violence, stigmatization, and suicidal tendencies have all been identified as direct consequences of lockdown. The eminent risk factors for mental health disorders identified during COVID-19 include fear of infection, history of mental illness, poor financial status, female gender, and alcohol drinking. The protective factors for mental health include higher income levels, public awareness, psychological counseling, social and government support. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a number of mental disorders in addition to economic hardship. This strongly suggests the need to monitor the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health.

The Effectiveness of the Super Skills for Life (SSL) Programme in Promoting Mental Wellbeing among Institutionalised Adolescents in Malaysia: An Interventional Study

Background: Mental health issues have become more prevalent among institutionalised adolescents. Therefore an effective intervention programme is needed to improve their mental health. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Super Skills for Life (SSL) programme in improving the mental wellbeing of institutionalised adolescents and determine the factors associated with their mental wellbeing. Methods: A quasi-experimental study involving 80 female institutionalised adolescents divided into intervention and control groups was conducted. Intervention involved implementation of the SSL programme. The effectiveness of the programme was evaluated based on several outcome parameters. Results: Factors including age, number of family members, perceived social support and self-esteem had significant correlations with mental wellbeing of participants. The SSL programme significantly improved the anxiety and stress levels of participants. Conclusion: SSL programme exclusively improves the mental wellbeing in institutionalised adolescents.

Association between psychological distress and coping strategies among students engaged in online learning

Distant or online learning on digital platforms has become the norm in education worldwide, putting students under immense mental strain. The present study examined the association between psychological distress and coping strategies among students engaged in online learning. This study used a cross-sectional design. A structured questionnaire was sent to each of the 210 university students at two prestigious public and private universities in Bangladesh through email. Data was collected from March 26 to April 27, 2021. Severe psychological distress was found in 55.2 percent of the population. Younger age groups, public university students, students with no self-income, moderate aid from the university in providing resources from home, and students with existing mental health illnesses were significantly associated with psychological distress (p-value<0.05). Among all 14 items of Brief COPE, active coping, using emotional support, and self-blame significantly influenced the psychological distress instrument Kessler-10 (p-value<0.01). Given the perspective of this study, coping strategies alleviate stress and facilitate positive psychological outcomes. Students’ mental health is a prioritized issue that needs more attention. Because of its higher prevalence and adverse consequences, institution authorities should support each student by providing study materials, student loans, and scholarships. Routine screening will allow identifying students going through a difficult time who can get help from experts through counseling.

Efficacy of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression and Anxiety among Global Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial Study

Background: Depression and anxiety have become the most common mental health disorders worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic, and increasing interest in telemedicine has led to the innovation of using internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT). Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of iCBT for depression and anxiety among the global population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, ProQuest, Wiley, and Web of Science using the PRISMA framework, and only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the study. A critical appraisal was also performed using Cochrane’s Risk of Bias (RoB) 2. The meta-analysis used random-effects models to analyze pooled mean difference (MD) and its p-value. Results: Twelve RCTs were included for qualitative analysis and nine RCTs, which yielded 6778 patients with depression and 6556 patients with anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, were included for quantitative analysis. Despite high heterogeneity, all studies had a low risk of bias. Pre- and post-iCBT intervention in the depression forest plot depicts a significant effect (p < 0.00001) with a pooled MD of 4.73 (95% CI: 4.55−4.90), while the pre- and post-iCBT intervention depicts a significant effect (p < 0.00001) with a pooled MD of 4.50 (95% CI: 4.34−4.67). This demonstrates that iCBT was found to significantly decrease depression and anxiety scores in patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, substantial heterogeneity was also found (I2 = 93%; p < 0.00001 and I2 = 90%) for the pre-/post-depression and anxiety forest plots, respectively. Conclusions: This meta-analysis comprises an evidence-based result for iCBT to treat depression and anxiety in the COVID-19 population, as indicated by the significantly lower assessment scores. Delivering iCBT in this situation needs to be considered more extensively, as it has promising results and yields the benefits of technological advancement in psychotherapy.

Growing up during a public health crisis: a qualitative study of Born in Bradford early adolescents during Covid-19

BACKGROUND

Whilst children and young people have not often been at forefront of the immediate Covid-19 pandemic health response there has been concern about the indirect consequences of Covid-19 on children's physical and mental health and what the effect of the pandemic will be throughout their lifetimes. Early adolescence is a time of transition and reorientation. This study considers the impact of the first UK Covid-19 lockdown on early adolescents.

METHODS

The study topic was identified through a consultation process which aimed to provide appropriate evidence to local decision makers in Bradford, UK and plan for future interventions. A group of children and their parents from the longitudinal Born in Bradford (BiB) cohort study were randomly selected and then purposively sampled by ethnicity, age, sex and deprivation. The BiB cohort is made up of 13,776 children and their families and were recruited at Bradford Royal Infirmary between 2007 and 2011. 41 interviews (with 20 families: 20 parents and 21 children) were carried out between August and September 2020. Interview data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The transitional age of the children interviewed had an important influence on their experience Covid-19 and the first UK lockdown. Their age combined with lockdown and school closures meant that they missed out on key learning and social opportunities at a crucial time in their lives. Covid-19 and lockdown also disrupted their daily mental wellbeing and led to increased anxiety, lethargy and low moods, during a period of personal change and social transition.

CONCLUSION

For children at the start of their adolescence undergoing change and formation, the experiences and feelings Covid-19 has set in motion will likely have an impact on their mental and cognitive functioning as they develop further. It is important to acknowledge these early adolescent experiences and continue to monitor and provide targeted support to this group of young people.

Students’ Mathematics Anxiety at Distance and In-Person Learning Conditions during COVID-19 Pandemic: Are There Any Differences? An Exploratory Study

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented changes in the educational system, requiring students to continually switch between distance and in-person learning conditions. Recent studies have revealed that students experienced severe levels of anxiety in the COVID-19 period. Considering the close relationship that has always linked anxiety to mathematics, the present study explores the differences in the anxiety levels of students towards mathematics during distance or in-person school learning. During the second wave of COVID-19, 405 students, recruited from twelve middle schools of Catania province (Italy), completed an online version of the MeMa questionnaire, answering each item twice and imagining themselves to be, respectively, in distance and in-person learning conditions. The items explored generalized school anxiety, learning and evaluation mathematics anxiety, mental states, and the metacognitive awareness associated with mathematical tasks. The results showed a minor state of anxiety experienced during distance learning. However, the students who preferred to learn mathematics in person revealed less mathematics anxiety and better mental states and metacognitive awareness; the same results were found in those who reported higher math marks and who preferred scientific subjects. It seems that math anxiety is not one of the various flaws that are imputed to distance learning. Our findings encourage a reflection on possible interventions to reduce students’ anxiety by working on motivation and dysfunctional beliefs.

Role of COVID-19 pandemic in the academic life and well-being of private sector university students: an exploratory qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a drastic impact on students' life, causing physical and emotional sufferings. Considering the relevance of unprecedented conditions, we explored perceptions and attitudes of students towards their academic life and well-being amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

SETTING

We conducted an exploratory qualitative study using a purposive sampling approach conducted at a single-centre private nursing institution in Karachi, Pakistan.

PARTICIPANTS

The current study used in-depth interviews with female university students. Study data were analysed manually using the thematic analysis approach.

PRIMARY OUTCOME

The primary outcome is to explore perception of students on academic life and well-being amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS

A total of 10 in-depth interviews were conducted between August and September 2020. Four overarching themes were identified: (1) impact of COVID-19 on students' well-being; (2) effect of COVID-19 on students' academic life; (3) current coping mechanisms adopted by students and (4) recommendations to address students' concerns. The pandemic-related stressors served as a major impediment on students' motivation, concentration span and socioeconomic conditions which negatively influenced their well-being and academic life. However, students have adopted diverse coping mechanisms to combat unstable circumstances that include connecting with family and relatives, indulging in diverse activities, and getting academic support from faculty, senior students, and university administration. Students also recommended the need for arranging online mental health services, integrating e-learning mediums in existing academia, and constant efforts by the government to address electricity and internet connectivity issues to promote virtual learning.

CONCLUSION

University students have been struck hard due to rapid pandemic-related transitions in their life. The study finding served as the potential guide for educational institutions and government officials to employ appropriate psychological interventions and provide infrastructure and technical facilities to provide support with their academic journey and overcoming the ongoing pandemic repercussions.

The Negative Impact of Social Media during COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic is a global pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulting from the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2). Despite its numerous benefits for sharing health information, social media has raised several concerns in terms of posing panic among the general population around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main objective of this study was to investigate the negative impact of social media during the COVID-19 outbreak. A web-based poll was used to collect data from social media users. Snowball sampling was used to acquire information from participants for 1 month, from September 1 to September 30, 2020. To examine the effect of social media on fear among participants, the study employed Cohen’s d statistic, analysis of variance, Chi-squared test, and linear regression analysis. The study results showed that more than three-fourth (73.26%) used Facebook followed by Telegram by 14.49%. Health news was the most frequently seen, read, or heard with 88.20% of the total. Moreover, 86.73% of respondents experienced panic, while only 13.27% was not. Compared to males, females were more likely to follow health news (p < 0.001). The majority of participants reported being psychologically affected, while only a few were physically affected. Females were substantially more affected mentally and reported significantly more fear than males (p < 0.001). The effect of social media panic is associated with participants’ age, and gender at a 5% level of significance. A significant positive link between social media and the diffusion of COVID-19 fear has been shown in this study. According to the result of regression analysis, social media usage has a significant effect on the spread of panic among participants at a 5% level of significance. Study revealed that social media use has a significant impact on the development of panic among people regarding the COVID-19 epidemic, with possibly detrimental psychological and mental health repercussions.This study also discovered a strong correlation between COVID-19 fear and social media. According to the findings, the impact of social media on respondents’ terror levels differs depending on their age and gender. The government should take steps to punish those who spread false information or fake news to the public.

Psychological impact during COVID-19 pandemic: A web-based cross-sectional study among students studying at College of Science and Technology (CST), Phuentsholing, Bhutan

The unprecedented experience of national lockdowns and uncertainty of academic career due to the COVID-19 pandemic has multifaceted impacts on mental health among university students worldwide. This study determined its impact on depression and anxiety level, and associated risk factors among engineering students studying at College of Science and Technology (CST), Phuentsholing, Bhutan during the first lockdown in the country. Self-reported depression and anxiety levels were assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) respectively. Data was collected using an e-questionnaire link generated in Google form and the link was shared with students via the student's official email group. A total of 278 students (response rate, 26.9%) completed the questionnaire. The majority of respondents were male (69.8%) and were aged from 18 to 30 (Mean: 21.7 ±SD 2.07) years. The prevalence of self-reported moderate to severe depression and anxiety were 44.2% (95% CI, 38.5-49.6) and 27.3% (95% CI, 22.3-32.4) respectively. Participants having their family members as frontline workers reported a significantly higher level of anxiety (χ2 = 4.85, p = 0.028). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, students who were academically lagging showed a higher risk of depression (AOR = 5.36, 95% CI = 2.86-10.04) and anxiety (AOR = 3.83, 95%CI = 1.86-7.88) as compared to students who were not academically behind. A high percentage of depression and anxiety was reported by students of CST during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings from the study highlight the importance of adopting appropriate online-based teaching and learning methods to ensure timely academic and professional achievements. Moreover, the relevant stakeholders should put health system strategies in place to provide psychological support to university students during the COVID-19 pandemic.