Loneliness and Depression Among Female University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 2020

Objectives: Quarantine-related loneliness has impacted university students during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aims to evaluate loneliness among female university students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during the pandemic and to investigate its correlation with depression.

Methods: A sample of 753 female students was collected during the first COVID-19 summer vacation outbreak through a cross-sectional survey that consisted of two parts: 1) Sociodemographic characteristics and COVID-19 related questions; 2) The eight-item UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).

Results: Most participants were between 18 and 22 years old (75.2%) and were studying at humanities college (61.50%). Loneliness and depression were reported among 63.3% and 41.1% of female students, respectively, and the correlation between them was significantly positive (beta = 0.419, p < 0.001). Having a previous history of a psychiatric condition and families with insufficient monthly income were the main associated factors with high levels of loneliness and depression.

Conclusion: Female university students experienced loneliness and depression under quarantine during the first COVID-19 summer vacation outbreak. Psychosocial intervention for the vulnerable groups is essential, as are longitudinal studies.