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Chan VKY, Chai Y, Chan SSM, Luo H, Jit M, Knapp M, Bishai DM, Ni MY, Wong ICK, Li X. Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on depression incidence and healthcare service use among patients with depression: an interrupted time-series analysis from a 9-year population-based study. BMC Med 2024; 22:169. [PMID: 38644506 PMCID: PMC11034087 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03386-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most studies on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on depression burden focused on the earlier pandemic phase specific to lockdowns, but the longer-term impact of the pandemic is less well-studied. In this population-based cohort study, we examined the short-term and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on depression incidence and healthcare service use among patients with depression. METHODS Using the territory-wide electronic medical records in Hong Kong, we identified all patients aged ≥ 10 years with new diagnoses of depression from 2014 to 2022. We performed an interrupted time-series (ITS) analysis to examine changes in incidence of medically attended depression before and during the pandemic. We then divided all patients into nine cohorts based on year of depression incidence and studied their initial and ongoing service use patterns until the end of 2022. We applied generalized linear modeling to compare the rates of healthcare service use in the year of diagnosis between patients newly diagnosed before and during the pandemic. A separate ITS analysis explored the pandemic impact on the ongoing service use among prevalent patients with depression. RESULTS We found an immediate increase in depression incidence (RR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.10-1.33, p < 0.001) in the population after the pandemic began with non-significant slope change, suggesting a sustained effect until the end of 2022. Subgroup analysis showed that the increases in incidence were significant among adults and the older population, but not adolescents. Depression patients newly diagnosed during the pandemic used 11% fewer resources than the pre-pandemic patients in the first diagnosis year. Pre-existing depression patients also had an immediate decrease of 16% in overall all-cause service use since the pandemic, with a positive slope change indicating a gradual rebound over a 3-year period. CONCLUSIONS During the pandemic, service provision for depression was suboptimal in the face of increased demand generated by the increasing depression incidence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings indicate the need to improve mental health resource planning preparedness for future public health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Kin Yi Chan
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yi Chai
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sandra Sau Man Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hao Luo
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mark Jit
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Martin Knapp
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - David Makram Bishai
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Michael Yuxuan Ni
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Urban Systems Institute, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ian Chi Kei Wong
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong SAR, China.
- School of Pharmacy, Aston University, London, UK.
- Advanced Data Analytics for Medical Science (ADAMS) Limited, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Advanced Data Analytics for Medical Science (ADAMS) Limited, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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ElTohamy A, Hyun S, Rastogi R, Wong GTF, Kim GS, Chae DH, Hahm H“C, Liu CH. Effect of vicarious discrimination on race-based stress symptoms among Asian American young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA : THEORY, RESEARCH, PRACTICE AND POLICY 2024; 16:217-224. [PMID: 37227832 PMCID: PMC10674031 DOI: 10.1037/tra0001480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a rise in anti-Asian hate crimes in the United States. Previous work has established that experiencing racism increases one's dysfunctional anxiety and avoidance actions-key symptoms of race-based stress symptoms. However, the psychological impact of vicarious, or secondhand, discrimination (witnessing racism targeting one's own race group) remains less understood. METHOD We tested the hypothesis that higher reported vicarious discrimination would be associated with higher levels of race-based stress symptoms reported by Asian American young adults (n = 135) during the pandemic using a cross-sectional analysis of the COVID-19 Adult Resilience Experiences Study (CARES). Starting in April 2020, CARES assessed sociodemographic characteristics and key psychometric scales in young adults through three waves of online surveys. RESULTS Our multiple regression analysis showed vicarious discrimination significantly predicted race-based stress symptoms, even after controlling for direct discrimination (p < .01). This association remained significant after controlling for age, gender, subjective childhood family social status, and preexisting psychiatric disorders (p < .01). Our results demonstrate that regardless of the effect that direct discrimination might have on race-based stress symptoms, witnessing discrimination against members of one's own racial group is significantly associated with increased race-based stress symptoms (b = 2.68, p < .01). Social media was the most common source of vicarious discrimination, with one out of three participants in our sample reporting nearly daily exposure. CONCLUSION Providers should intentionally create a space within the therapeutic setting to discuss the effects of vicarious discrimination. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelrahman ElTohamy
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 221 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Sunah Hyun
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Ritika Rastogi
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Ga Tin Finneas Wong
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Grace S. Kim
- Wheelock College of Education & Human Development, Boston University, 2 Silber Way, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - David H. Chae
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Hyeouk “Chris” Hahm
- School of Social Work, Boston University, 264 Bay State Rd, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Cindy H. Liu
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 221 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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Chai W, Shek DTL. Mental health profiles and the related socio-demographic predictors in Hong Kong university students under the COVID-19 pandemic: A latent class analysis. Psychiatry Res 2024; 331:115666. [PMID: 38071880 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/02/2024]
Abstract
While the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant challenges to mental health of university students, there is limited research in this area. Particularly, few studies examined the person-centered mental health symptom profiles such as depression and anxiety and the related socio-demographic predictors. Using Latent Class Analysis (LCA), this study investigated the symptom profiles of depression and anxiety in university students in Hong Kong under the COVID-19 pandemic and the socio-demographic predictors. A total of 978 undergraduate students completed an online questionnaire including socio-demographic factors and measures of depression and anxiety during the summer of 2022. The LCA identified three latent classes: "normal" group, "moderate comorbid depression and anxiety" group and "severe comorbid depression and anxiety" group. Multinominal logistic regression showed that comparing with the "normal" group and the "moderate symptom" group, the "severe symptom" group had higher personal financial difficulties and individual/family member unemployment during the pandemic. In contrast, other socio-demographic factors (age, gender, year of study, living status, and COVID-19 infection status) had no significant association with group status. The study contributes to understanding of person-centered depression and anxiety symptom profiles and the risk role of personal financial difficulty in mental health of university students under the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Chai
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Daniel T L Shek
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, PR China.
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Rastogi R, Cerda IH, Ibrahim A, Chen JA, Stevens C, Liu CH. Long COVID and psychological distress in young adults: Potential protective effect of a prior mental health diagnosis. J Affect Disord 2023; 340:639-648. [PMID: 37553019 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although young adulthood is a period characterized by marked psychological vulnerability, young adults are typically considered to be in good physical health and are therefore understudied with respect to the effects of COVID-19 infection and long COVID. The present study examined associations between post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) and serious psychological distress during young adulthood, and tested whether prior mental health diagnosis moderated this association. METHODS Participants were 44,652 young adults who completed the Spring 2022 administration of the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment III (ACHA-NCHA). Blockwise logistic regressions tested the odds of meeting the clinical threshold for serious psychological distress. RESULTS PASC was associated with 53 % increased likelihood of meeting the clinical threshold for serious psychological distress. Among young adults with a prior mental health diagnosis, PASC predicted 36 % increased odds of serious psychological distress; among those without a diagnosis, PASC predicted 81 % increased odds. LIMITATIONS PASC was assessed using a single self-report item rather than a clinical diagnosis of specific symptomatology. The analyses were cross-sectional and relied on concurrent reports of PASC and psychological distress which precluded us from making claims regarding directionality of the associations. The outcome of generalized psychological distress limited us from generating targeted treatment recommendations. CONCLUSIONS PASC may confer elevated psychological distress among young adults. The association of PASC to serious psychological distress was stronger in young adults without a mental health diagnosis than those with a diagnosis. Prior experience with mental illness may mitigate the psychological burden of long-term symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritika Rastogi
- Department of Pediatrics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Abdelrahman Ibrahim
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Justin A Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine/NewYork-Presbyterian, New York, NY, USA
| | - Courtney Stevens
- Department of Pediatrics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychology, Willamette University, Salem, OR, USA
| | - Cindy H Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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Macaranas AR, ElTohamy A, Hyun S, Chae DH, Stevens C, Chen JA, Liu CH. COVID-19-related direct and vicarious racial discrimination: Associations with psychological distress among U.S. college students. J Affect Disord 2023; 325:747-754. [PMID: 36642315 PMCID: PMC9837219 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by a myriad of racist incidents targeting minorities in the U.S. Young adults are susceptible to direct and vicarious (indirect) pandemic-related racial discrimination. We sought to examine associations between both types of discrimination experiences and psychological distress among college students across different racial groups. METHODS We analyzed self-reported data from 64,041 undergraduate students from the Spring 2021 American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment. Logistic regression examined odds of severe distress based on self-reported exposure to direct and vicarious racial discrimination. RESULTS Even after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and prior mental health diagnoses, there was a significant association between direct discrimination and distress among Asian (AOR: 1.3, p < 0.001), Hispanic (AOR: 1.6, p < 0.001), and Multiracial (AOR: 1.4, p < 0.001) students. Vicarious discrimination was significantly associated with distress among White (AOR: 1.4, p < 0.001), Asian (AOR: 1.4, p < 0.001), Hispanic (AOR: 1.5, p < 0.001), and Multiracial (AOR: 1.3, p < 0.001) students. Further analysis considering distress as a continuous measure revealed a significant association between vicarious discrimination and distress for Black participants (β = 0.9, p < 0.001). LIMITATIONS Self-reported variables are susceptible to recall bias. Minority racial group analyses may be underpowered. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal an overall link between both direct and vicarious racial discrimination and distress across several racial groups. Further studies should examine effective mental health interventions and anti-racism initiatives to support students who have experienced direct or vicarious discrimination due to COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abdelrahman ElTohamy
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 221 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sunah Hyun
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - David H. Chae
- Department of Social, Behavioral, and Population Sciences, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Courtney Stevens
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Department of Psychology, Willamette University, Salem, OR, USA
| | - Justin A. Chen
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Cindy H. Liu
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 221 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA,Corresponding author at: Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 221 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Tang Y, He W. Relationship between emotional intelligence and learning motivation among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A serial mediation model. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1109569. [PMID: 37008860 PMCID: PMC10050401 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1109569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The vital influence of emotional intelligence on college students' learning motivation has received considerable attention. This study analyzed not only the relationship between emotional intelligence and college students' learning motivation during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also the serial mediating roles that self-efficacy and social support play in this relationship. Using a cross-sectional survey design, we collected data from 336 college students across 30 provinces in China, using four well-established scales measuring emotional intelligence, learning motivation, self-efficacy, and social support. We analyzed the mediating effects using the Bootstrap method. The results showed that emotional intelligence positively predicted learning motivation, and that self-efficacy and social support played serial mediating roles between emotional intelligence and learning motivation. This finding suggests the need for interventions to help college students develop emotional intelligence during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that fostering college students' self-efficacy and providing multiple social supports would help improve their motivation and academic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Weiguang He
- College of Social Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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Lin P, Hillstrom K, Gottesman K, Jia Y, Kuo T, Robles B. Financial and Other Life Stressors, Psychological Distress, and Food and Beverage Consumption among Students Attending a Large California State University during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3668. [PMID: 36834363 PMCID: PMC9965632 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic abruptly disrupted the daily lives and health of college students across the United States. This study investigated several stressors (e.g., financial strain/uncertainty), psychological distress, and dietary behaviors among college students attending a large state university during the pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey was administered to students from the California State University, Los Angeles between April and May 2021 (final analytic sample n = 736). Differences in gender and race/ethnicity were examined using chi-square, t-test, and one-way ANOVA tests. Paired t-tests were performed to compare variables before and during the pandemic. Negative binomial regression models examined the associations between various stressors, psychological distress, and three key dietary outcomes. Descriptive results showed that the consumption of fruits and vegetables, fast food, and sugary beverages, along with psychological distress, all increased during the pandemic. Significant differences in fruit and vegetable and fast food consumption by gender and race/ethnicity were also observed. In the regression models, several stressors, including financial strain and psychological distress, were associated with unfavorable food and beverage consumption, thereby suggesting that college students may need more support in mitigating these stressors so they do not manifest as poor dietary behaviors. Poor diet quality is associated with poor physical health outcomes such as premature development of type 2 diabetes or hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Lin
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, P.O. Box 951722, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kathryn Hillstrom
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, California State University, Los Angeles, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Kimberly Gottesman
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, California State University, Los Angeles, 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Yuane Jia
- School of Health Professions, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, 65 Bergen St., Newark, NJ 07101, USA
| | - Tony Kuo
- Department of Epidemiology, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, P.O. Box 951722, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 10880 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
- Population Health Program, UCLA Clinical and Translational Science Institute, 10833 Le Conte Ave., BE-144 CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Brenda Robles
- Research Group on Statistics, Econometrics, and Health (GRECS), University of Girona, Carrer de la Universitat de Girona 10, Campus de Montilivi, 17003 Girona, Spain
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Van Dyne A, Washington N, Villodas M, Cronan T. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Weight Loss Behaviors Among US College Students. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:857-873. [PMID: 36960414 PMCID: PMC10028297 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s395357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Weight loss behaviors are prevalent among college students and are associated with adverse physical and psychological outcomes, such as an elevated risk of developing an eating disorder. While cross-ethnic differences have been reported, no consistent pattern has emerged. The purpose of this study was to examine racial and ethnic differences in weight loss behaviors among female and male college students. Patients and Methods The American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) II-C survey data from the collection periods from 2015 to 2019 was used. A total of 426,425 students participated in the survey. Most participants were White (60%) and female (68.5%). Information on students' age, body mass index (BMI), and self-rated health was also collected. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine cross-ethnic differences in weight loss methods among female and male students. Results Students' weight loss behaviors were assessed and included dieting, exercising, vomiting or taking laxatives, and the use of diet pills in the past 30 days. More than half of the participants attempted to lose weight through exercise (53.5%), and 40.3% of students dieted to lose weight in the past month. Purging and the use of diet pills were endorsed by 2.9% and 2.8% of the participants, respectively. With few exceptions, male students from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds were more likely to engage in extreme weight control practices (ie, vomiting or taking laxatives, taking diet pills) than White male students, while female students from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds were less likely to use diet and exercise as weight loss methods than White female students. For all outcomes, Biracial/Multiracial and Hispanic/Latino male students were more likely to attempt weight loss than White male students. Biracial/Multiracial female students more frequently endorsed extreme weight control behaviors than White female students. Conclusion The results of the present study add to the growing body of literature on the relationship between race and ethnicity and weight loss behaviors. The findings indicate the need for tailored educational and intervention programs on college campuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Van Dyne
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Washington
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Miguel Villodas
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Terry Cronan
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
- Correspondence: Terry Cronan, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, 92182-4611, USA, Tel +1619 594-6915, Fax +1619 594-1247, Email
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Martinez L, Valenzuela LS, Soto VE. Well-Being amongst College Students during COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from a Developing Country. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16745. [PMID: 36554626 PMCID: PMC9779102 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
College students face unique challenges that the consequences of COVID-19 might aggravate. To explore the pandemic's consequences on college students' well-being, we conducted an online survey with 634 students from a private university in Cali, Colombia. The study sought to assess students' well-being due to COVID-19, and to explore the mediating effects of optimism, gratitude, and emotional closeness on college students' well-being. Results showed that COVID-19 affected students' mental health and well-being. Being optimistic and grateful mediated with life satisfaction and happiness. Optimism, emotional closeness, and gratitude also mediated the negative effect of fear of infection and the pandemic's impact on students' academic performance. The results of this analysis will promote discussion of the implementation of coping strategies to help students thrive, promote resilience, and contribute to students' well-being and better mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Martinez
- Business School, Universidad Icesi & POLIS, Cali 760031, Colombia
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ElTohamy A, Wang JJ, Chen JA, Stevens C, Liu CH. Association Between College Course Delivery Model and Rates of Psychological Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2244270. [PMID: 36449292 PMCID: PMC9713601 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.44270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE College students in the US have been heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to increased rates of depression and anxiety, college students have faced unprecedented stressors, such as geographic relocation and abrupt conversion from in-person classes to online classes. OBJECTIVE To study the association between course delivery model and psychological distress among US college students. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional analysis used national data from the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment III data set. Data were gathered from a web-based survey administered from January to early June 2021 to full-time US college students attending 4-year programs. EXPOSURE Course delivery model was self-reported. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Psychological distress was measured using the Kessler Screening Scale for Psychological Distress. RESULTS This study evaluated 59 250 full-time undergraduate students (68.1% women; 51.5% White students; mean [SD] age, 21.2 [4.3] years); 3.5% attended fully in-person classes, 61.2% attended fully online classes, and 35.3% attended a mixed format of in-person and online classes. Students who attended classes fully online reported higher levels of psychological distress than those who attended a mix of online and in-person classes (b = 0.76 [99% CI, 0.64-0.88]; P < .001). This association remained significant after controlling for geographic region, year in school, gender, race and ethnicity, food security, current anxiety and/or depressive disorders, COVID-19 concerns, and residence (living on campus, off campus with family, or other off-campus arrangements) (b = 0.18 [99% CI, 0.04-0.31]; P = .001), as well as time spent socializing with friends (b = 0.13 [99% CI, 0.002-0.26]; P = .009). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings of this study suggest that mental health professionals may wish to consider the association of course delivery models with mental health outcomes when working with college students. Colleges should be aware of the mental health burden associated with attending fully online classes and consider possible in-person components and supports for students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelrahman ElTohamy
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Justin A. Chen
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Courtney Stevens
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychology, Willamette University, Salem, Oregon
| | - Cindy H. Liu
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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