A Qualitative Investigation of the Positive and Negative Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Post-Secondary Students’ Mental Health and Well-Being

Ewing, Lexi; Hamza, Chloe A.; Walsh, Kaylea; Goldstein, Abby L.; Heath, Nancy L.

doi:10.1177/21676968221121590

Cited by 17 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 75 publications

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“…The alumni’s perception of isolation during the pandemic is in accordance with a study of students in general. In that study, all students experienced stressors during the pandemic, and those without pre-existing mental health concerns reported greater increases in social and academic isolation, relative to students with pre-existing mental health concerns [ 16 ]. During the pandemic, the use of various pedagogic techniques was limited and reduced to online lectures.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

What Is the Value of a Global Health Research School for PhD Students?

Darj

Hoem²,

Dvergsdal³

2022

IJERPH

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The aim of the study was to investigate previous PhD students’ views on the Norwegian Research School of Global Health and its activities. Of the research schools for PhD students, few focus on global health and even fewer have evaluated the students’ perspectives of the schools. In this study, a questionnaire including quantitative and qualitative questions were sent to alumni PhD students. Demographic status was investigated, along with the alumni’s views on activities offered at the research school, suggestions for improvement, views on his or her social life as a student and as a member of the school. A total of 60 alumni were contacted by email and invited to participate in an anonymous online survey. The response rate was 65%; 90% were in employment and a few were seeking employment. All research school activities were evaluated as useful. Content analysis of qualitative questions generated three categories of the alumni’s reflections on their involvement in the research school: valued activities, challenges, and future. The alumni expressed a wish for continued contact with the school. The findings indicated that a research school for PhD students with similar interests should be continued; although modifications should be considered, based on the specific challenges revealed in the evaluation.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

What Is the Value of a Global Health Research School for PhD Students?

Darj

Hoem²,

Dvergsdal³

2022

IJERPH

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“…Mental health concerns have escalated with the persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting all pro les of post-secondary students. In a recent qualitative study, students without pre-existing mental health conditions reported more frequent social and academic isolation than those with pre-existing mental health concerns (19). Furthermore, a recent meta-analysis noted an increase in the prevalence of anxiety (36%) and depression (39%) during the pandemic (20).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Mental health challenges, treatment experiences, and care needs of post-secondary students: a cross-sectional mixed-methods study

Moghimi

Stephenson

Gutiérrez

et al. 2022

Preprint

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Background: Post-secondary students are at a greater risk of developing mental health problems than the general population. However, they present meagre rates of treatment-seeking behaviours. This elevated prevalence of mental health problems, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, can lead to distress, poor academic performance, and lower job prospects following the completion of their education. To address the needs of this population, it is important to understand students' perceptions of mental health and the barriers preventing or limiting their access to care. Methods: A broad-scoping online survey was publicly distributed to post-secondary students, collecting demographic, sociocultural, economic, and educational information while assessing various components of mental health. Results: In total, 448 students across post-secondary institutions in Ontario, Canada, responded to the survey. Over a third (n = 170; 38.6%) of respondents reported a formal mental health diagnosis. Depression and generalized anxiety disorder were the most commonly reported diagnoses. Most respondents felt that post-secondary students have poor mental health (n = 253; 60.5%) and inadequate coping strategies (n = 261; 62.4%). The most frequently reported barriers to care were financial (n = 214; 50.5%), long wait times (n = 202; 47.6%), insufficient resources (n = 165; 38.9%), time constraints (n = 148; 34.9%), stigma (n = 133; 31.4%), cultural barriers (n = 108; 25.5%), and past negative experiences with mental health care (n = 86; 20.3%). Most students felt their post-secondary institution needed to increase mental health resources (n = 306; 73.2%) and awareness (n = 231; 56.5%). Most students who had or were receiving care viewed in-person therapy as more helpful than online care. However, there was uncertainty about the helpfulness and accessibility of different forms of treatment, including online interventions. Conclusions: Lack of resources, barriers to care, and uncertainty surrounding interventions contribute to the low treatment-seeking behaviours observed in post-secondary students. The survey findings indicate that multiple upstream approaches, including formal mental health education, may address the varying needs of this critical population. Online mental health interventions may be a promising solution to accessibility issues.

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“…Mental health concerns were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting all profiles of post-secondary students [ 18 ]. In a recent qualitative study, students without pre-existing mental health conditions reported greater social and academic isolation than those with pre-existing mental health concerns [ 19 ]. Furthermore, a recent meta-analysis noted an increase in the prevalence of anxiety (36%) and depression (39%) during the pandemic [ 20 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These strains are worsened in smaller institutions with fewer staff and resources [17]. Treatment barriers and service use amid the COVID- 19 pandemic have yet to be fully delineated.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mental health challenges, treatment experiences, and care needs of post-secondary students: a cross-sectional mixed-methods study

et al. 2023

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Background Post-secondary students frequently experience high rates of mental health challenges. However, they present meagre rates of treatment-seeking behaviours. This elevated prevalence of mental health problems, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, can lead to distress, poor academic performance, and lower job prospects following the completion of education. To address the needs of this population, it is important to understand students' perceptions of mental health and the barriers preventing or limiting their access to care. Methods A broad-scoping online survey was publicly distributed to post-secondary students, collecting demographic, sociocultural, economic, and educational information while assessing various components of mental health. Results In total, 448 students across post-secondary institutions in Ontario, Canada, responded to the survey. Over a third (n = 170; 38.6%) of respondents reported a formal mental health diagnosis. Depression and generalized anxiety disorder were the most commonly reported diagnoses. Most respondents felt that post-secondary students did not have good mental health (n = 253; 60.5%) and had inadequate coping strategies (n = 261; 62.4%). The most frequently reported barriers to care were financial (n = 214; 50.5%), long wait times (n = 202; 47.6%), insufficient resources (n = 165; 38.9%), time constraints (n = 148; 34.9%), stigma (n = 133; 31.4%), cultural barriers (n = 108; 25.5%), and past negative experiences with mental health care (n = 86; 20.3%). The majority of students felt their post-secondary institution needed to increase awareness (n = 231; 56.5%) and mental health resources (n = 306; 73.2%). Most viewed in-person therapy and online care with a therapist as more helpful than self-guided online care. However, there was uncertainty about the helpfulness and accessibility of different forms of treatment, including online interventions. The qualitative findings highlighted the need for personal strategies, mental health education and awareness, and institutional support and services. Conclusions Various barriers to care, perceived lack of resources, and low knowledge of available interventions may contribute to compromised mental health in post-secondary students. The survey findings indicate that upstream approaches such as integrating mental health education for students may address the varying needs of this critical population. Therapist-involved online mental health interventions may be a promising solution to address accessibility issues.

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A Qualitative Investigation of the Positive and Negative Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Post-Secondary Students’ Mental Health and Well-Being

Cited by 17 publications

References 75 publications

What Is the Value of a Global Health Research School for PhD Students?

What Is the Value of a Global Health Research School for PhD Students?

Mental health challenges, treatment experiences, and care needs of post-secondary students: a cross-sectional mixed-methods study

Mental health challenges, treatment experiences, and care needs of post-secondary students: a cross-sectional mixed-methods study

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