1
|
Negash S, Horn J, Heumann E, Stock C, Zeeb H, Pischke CR, Matos Fialho PM, Helmer SM, Niephaus Y, Mikolajczyk R. University Students' Financial Situation During COVID-19 and Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms: Results of the COVID-19 German Student Well-Being Study (C19 GSWS). Psychol Res Behav Manag 2024; 17:2271-2285. [PMID: 38860194 PMCID: PMC11162964 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s453694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on students' financial situation as well as on their mental health. Aim To examine the reported change in the financial situation of German university students before and across two time points of the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate its associations with anxiety and depressive symptoms. Methods We used data from the cross-sectional COVID-19 German Student Well-being Study conducted at five German universities (N = 7203). Linear regression models were used to analyze associations between a reported change in financial situation and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Results Twenty-eight percent of the participants reported to have a worsened financial situation at the time of the survey compared to the time prior to the pandemic. A worsened financial situation at the time of the survey as compared to prior to the pandemic was associated with higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms reported in all three depression and anxiety scales [a 1.46 point increase on the CES-D 8 scale (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.19; 1.73), a 0.37-point increase in PHQ-2 (95% CI: 0.28; 0.46), and a 0.45-point increase in GAD-2 (95% CI: 0.35; 0.55)]. An improved financial situation, on the other hand, was associated with lower levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. As for the second change, comparing the current financial situation with the situation during the first wave of the pandemic, the associations with anxiety and depressive symptoms were broadly similar. Conclusion Our findings suggest that students are a vulnerable population in need of mental and financial support during times of crisis. Future research is needed to obtain insights into potential long-term effects of the pandemic on students' mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Negash
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Johannes Horn
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Eileen Heumann
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christiane Stock
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hajo Zeeb
- Department of Prevention and Evaluation, Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology- BIPS, Bremen, Germany
- Health Sciences Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Claudia R Pischke
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Paula M Matos Fialho
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Stefanie M Helmer
- Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research, Faculty 11 Human and Health Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Yasemin Niephaus
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Siegen, Siegen, Germany
| | - Rafael Mikolajczyk
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lee J, Wong KKY. Mental health inequalities, challenges and support needs during COVID-19: a qualitative study of 14-to-25-year-olds in London. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e080161. [PMID: 38569680 PMCID: PMC10989111 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080161] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent's mental health and relationships has received growing attention, yet the challenges and support needs of adolescents living in existing deprivation are not well understood. The current qualitative study, part of a broader project cocreating mental health and life-skill workshops with young people, documents adolescents' lived experience and support needs 4 years on from the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN 20 semi-structured interviews and 6 focus groups were transcribed and thematically analysed in NVivo V.12 to inform codesigned workshops to support adolescents' needs. SETTING Islington borough in North London, United Kingdom. PARTICIPANTS 20 adolescents aged 14-25 years (mean=18.3; 60% female, 60% white) from Islington with a history of difficulties (eg, mental health, deprivation, court order) were referred by Islington local authority teams to our study. RESULTS Thematic analyses revealed eight themes on adolescents' COVID-19 experiences and five associated suggestions on 'support needs': health challenges and support; relationships and support; routines and support; educational challenges and learning support; inequality and support; distrust; loss of opportunities and grief. CONCLUSIONS In our qualitative study, adolescents spoke of positive reflections, challenges, and need for support 4 years on from the COVID-19 pandemic. Many adolescents shared their lived experiences for the first time with someone else and wished they would have the space and time to acknowledge this period of loss. Adolescents living with existing inequality and deprivation before the pandemic have reported sustained and exacerbated impacts during the pandemic, hence coproduced support for adolescents should be a priority.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Lee
- Psychology and Human Development, University College London, London, UK
| | - Keri Ka-Yee Wong
- Psychology and Human Development, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dewa LH, Roberts L, Choong E, Crandell C, Demkowicz O, Ashworth E, Branquinho C, Scott S. The impact of COVID-19 on young people's mental health, wellbeing and routine from a European perspective: A co-produced qualitative systematic review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299547. [PMID: 38507395 PMCID: PMC10954119 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on young people's (YP) mental health has been mixed. Systematic reviews to date have focused predominantly on quantitative studies and lacked involvement from YP with lived experience of mental health difficulties. Therefore, our primary aim was to conduct a qualitative systematic review to examine the perceived impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on YP's (aged 10-24) mental health and wellbeing across Europe. METHODS AND FINDINGS We searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, Web of Science, MEDRXIV, OSF preprints, Google, and voluntary sector websites for studies published from 1st January 2020 to 15th November 2022. European studies were included if they reported qualitative data that could be extracted on YP's (aged 10-24) own perspectives of their experiences of Covid-19 and related disruptions to their mental health and wellbeing. Screening, data extraction and appraisal was conducted independently in duplicate by researchers and YP with lived experience of mental health difficulties (co-researchers). Confidence was assessed using the Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research (CERQual) approach. We co-produced an adapted narrative thematic synthesis with co-researchers. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021251578. We found 82 publications and included 77 unique studies in our narrative synthesis. Most studies were from the UK (n = 50; 65%); and generated data during the first Covid-19 wave (March-May 2020; n = 33; 43%). Across the 79,491 participants, views, and experiences of YP minoritised by ethnicity and sexual orientation, and from marginalised or vulnerable YP were limited. Five synthesised themes were identified: negative impact of pandemic information and restrictions on wellbeing; education and learning on wellbeing; social connection to prevent loneliness and disconnection; emotional, lifestyle and behavioural changes; and mental health support. YP's mental health and wellbeing across Europe were reported to have fluctuated during the pandemic. Challenges were similar but coping strategies to manage the impact of these challenges on mental health varied across person, study, and country. Short-term impacts were related to the consequences of changing restrictions on social connection, day-to-day lifestyle, and education set-up. However, YP identified potential issues in these areas going forward, and therefore stressed the importance of ongoing long-term support in education, learning and mental health post-Covid-19. CONCLUSIONS Our findings map onto the complex picture seen from quantitative systematic reviews regarding the impact of Covid-19 on YP's mental health. The comparatively little qualitative data found in our review means there is an urgent need for more high-quality qualitative research outside of the UK and/or about the experiences of minoritised groups to ensure all voices are heard and everyone is getting the support they need following the pandemic. YP's voices need to be prioritised in decision-making processes on education, self-care strategies, and mental health and wellbeing, to drive impactful, meaningful policy changes in anticipation of a future systemic crisis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay H. Dewa
- NIHR Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lily Roberts
- NIHR Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Health Policy, Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Elizabeth Choong
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Crandell
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ola Demkowicz
- Manchester Institute of Education, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Ashworth
- School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Catia Branquinho
- Environmental Health Institute, Medicine Faculty, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Steph Scott
- Newcastle Population Health Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lenoir R, Wong KKY. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young people from black and mixed ethnic groups' mental health in West London: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e071903. [PMID: 37147089 PMCID: PMC10163329 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-071903] [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] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted vulnerable groups' physical and mental health, especially young people and minority ethnic groups, yet little is known about the crux of their experiences and what support they would like. To address this gap, this qualitative study aims to uncover the effect of the COVID-19 outbreak on young people with ethnic minority backgrounds' mental health, how this changed since the end of lockdown and what support they need to cope with these issues. DESIGN The study utilised semi-structured interviews to conduct a phenomenological analysis. SETTING Community centre in West London, England. PARTICIPANTS Ten 15 min in-person semistructured interviews were conducted with young people aged 12-17 years old from black and mixed ethnic groups who regularly attend the community centre. RESULTS Through Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, results indicated that the participants' mental health was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with feelings of loneliness being the most common experience. However, positive effects were concurrently observed including improved well-being and better coping strategies post lockdown, which is a testament to the young people's resilience. That said, it is clear that young people from minority ethnic backgrounds lacked support during the COVID-19 pandemic and would now need psychological, practical and relational assistance to cope with these challenges. CONCLUSIONS While future studies would benefit from a larger ethnically diverse sample, this is a start. Study findings have the potential to inform future government policies around mental health support and access for young people from ethnic minority groups, notably prioritising support for grassroots initiatives during times of crisis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romane Lenoir
- Psychology & Human Development, University College London, London, UK
| | - Keri Ka-Yee Wong
- Psychology & Human Development, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pearcey S, Burgess L, Shum A, Sajid E, Sargent M, Klampe ML, Lawrence PJ, Waite P. How the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing in the UK: A Qualitative Study. JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/07435584231151902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
There is emerging evidence of the detrimental impact of the pandemic and associated restrictions on young people’s mental health in the UK but to date, these data have been largely quantitative. The aim of the current study was to gain a deeper understanding of young people’s experiences in relation to their mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic. Seventeen young people, aged 11 to 16 years, sampled for diverse characteristics, and living in the UK, were interviewed virtually between December 2020 and February 2021. Reflexive thematic analysis was carried out by the research team, which included two young people, and five themes were developed: (1) positives; (2) worries and anxiety; (3) sadness and anger about losses; (4) mental exhaustion; and (5) support from others. Aspects of young people’s individual circumstances (e.g., pre-existing mental health difficulties; special educational needs and neurodevelopmental disorders) appeared to play a role in their experiences. Continued measurement of young people’s mental health, initiatives to identify young people who have been struggling and the provision of support (including evidence-based and accessible interventions) will be important for protecting young people from future adversities as we emerge from the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eshal Sajid
- Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Representative, London, UK
| | - Milly Sargent
- Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Representative, Oxfordshire, UK
| | | | | | - Polly Waite
- University of Oxford, UK
- University of Reading, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Coulaud PJ, Salway T, Jesson J, Bolduc N, Ferlatte O, Bertrand K, Desgrées du Loû A, Jenkins E, Jauffret-Roustide M, Knight R. Moderation of the association between COVID-19-related income loss and depression by receipt of financial support: Repeated cross-sectional surveys of young adults in Canada and France (2020-2021). SSM Popul Health 2023; 21:101340. [PMID: 36644570 PMCID: PMC9832713 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To mitigate the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on financial resources, governments and family/friends mobilized financial support interventions (e.g., emergency aid funds) and assistance. However, little is known about how financial assistance alleviated mental health problems. This study aimed to investigate the moderating effect of financial support from the government or from family/friends on the association between income loss and depression among young adults. Methods Two online cross-sectional surveys among young adults ages 18-29 living in Canada and France were conducted in 2020 (n = 4,511) and 2021 (n = 3,329). Moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (cut-off score: ≥10). Two logistic regression models were performed for each survey with an interaction term between income loss and financial support (government or family/friends modeled separately), controlling for demographics. Results Overall, half reported depressive symptoms (2020/2021: 53.5%/45.6%), and over a third lost income (2020/2021: 10.2%/11.6% all income, 37.7%/21.6% some income). In 2020, 40.6% received government financial support (17.7% in 2021) while family/friends support was received by 12% (in both surveys). In both surveys, among those who received governmental financial support, income loss was associated with depression, whether participants lost all their income (e.g., 2020: Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) 1.75, 95% Confidence Interval [1.29-2.44]), or some of their income (e.g., 2020: AOR 1.45 [1.17-1.81]). However, among those who received family/friends financial support, income loss was no longer significantly associated with depression in both cycles, whether participants lost all their income (e.g., 2020: AOR 1.37 [0.78-2.40]), or some of their income (e.g., 2020: AOR 1.31 [0.86-1.99]). Conclusions Association between income loss and depression was moderated by receipt of family/friends financial support but not by receipt of government financial support. Financial support interventions may help to mitigate the negative effects of income loss on young adults mental health during periods of economic crisis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-julien Coulaud
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Corresponding author. British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045, Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada.
| | - Travis Salway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada,British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Julie Jesson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Naseeb Bolduc
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Olivier Ferlatte
- École de Santé Publique de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada,Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique, Université de Montréal et CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Karine Bertrand
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Longueuil, Québec, Canada
| | - Annabel Desgrées du Loû
- Centre Population et Développement, Université Paris Cité, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Inserm, Paris, France
| | - Emily Jenkins
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marie Jauffret-Roustide
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Centre d'Étude des Mouvements Sociaux (EHESS/CNRS UMR8044/INSERM U1276), Paris, France,Baldy Center on Law and Social Policy, Buffalo University, NY, USA
| | - Rod Knight
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada,École de Santé Publique de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Auerbach JD, Forsyth AD, Davey C, Hargreaves JR. Living with COVID-19 and preparing for future pandemics: revisiting lessons from the HIV pandemic. Lancet HIV 2023; 10:e62-e68. [PMID: 36370713 PMCID: PMC9764384 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(22)00301-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In April, 2020, just months into the COVID-19 pandemic, an international group of public health researchers published three lessons learned from the HIV pandemic for the response to COVID-19, which were to: anticipate health inequalities, create an enabling environment to support behavioural change, and engage a multidisciplinary effort. We revisit these lessons in light of more than 2 years' experience with the COVID-19 pandemic. With specific examples, we detail how inequalities have played out within and between countries, highlight factors that support or impede the creation of enabling environments, and note ongoing issues with the scarcity of integrated science and health system approaches. We argue that to better apply lessons learned as the COVID-19 pandemic matures and other infectious disease outbreaks emerge, it will be imperative to create dialogue among polarised perspectives, identify shared priorities, and draw on multidisciplinary evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith D Auerbach
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Calum Davey
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - James R Hargreaves
- Department of Epidemiology and Evaluation, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Coultas C, Reddy G, Lukate J. Towards a social psychology of precarity. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 62 Suppl 1:1-20. [PMID: 36637066 PMCID: PMC10108083 DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
This article introduces the special issue 'Towards a Social Psychology of Precarity' that develops an orienting lens for social psychologists' engagement with the concept. As guest editors of the special issue, we provide a thematic overview of how 'precarity' is being conceptualized throughout the social sciences, before distilling the nine contributions to the special issue. In so doing, we trace the ways in which social psychologists are (dis)engaging with the concept of precarity, yet too, explore how precarity constitutes, and is embedded within, the discipline itself. Resisting disciplinary decadence, we collectively explore what a social psychology of precarity could be, and view working with/in precarity as fundamental to addressing broader calls for the social responsiveness of the discipline. The contributing papers, which are methodologically pluralistic and provide rich conceptualisations of precarity, challenge reductionist individualist understandings of suffering and coping and extend social science theorizations on precarity. They also highlight the ways in which social psychology remains complicit in perpetuating different forms of precarity, for both communities and academics. We propose future directions for the social psychological study of precarity through four reflexive questions that we encourage scholars to engage with so that we may both work with/in, and intervene against, 'the precarious'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clare Coultas
- School of Education, Communication and Society, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Geetha Reddy
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Johanna Lukate
- Max-Planck-Institute for the Study of Religious and Ethnic Diversity, Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|