Depression and Anxiety During the COVID‐19 Pandemic in an Urban, Low‐Income Public University Sample

Abstract

Mental health disparities in the aftermath of national disasters and the protective role of socioeconomic status are both well documented. We assessed the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among underresourced public university students during the COVID‐19 pandemic in New York City. Between April 8, 2020, and May 2, 2020, adult students ( N = 1,821) across the CUNY system completed an online survey examining COVID‐19–related stressors and mental health and sociodemographic factors. Using multivariable logistical regression to assess the association between COVID‐19–related stressors and depression and anxiety symptoms, we found a high prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety symptoms. We also observed that more exposure to COVID‐19–related stressors was associated with increased depressive (27.0%, 41.4%, and 63.1% for low‐, medium‐, and high‐level stressors, respectively) and anxiety symptoms (19.3%, 34.6%, 52.2%). In addition, the degree of exposure to COVID‐19–related stressors served as an important predictor of depression and anxiety symptoms. Compared to high levels of stressors, the odds of depression were 0.2, 95% CI [0.2, 0.3] for low‐ and 0.4, 95% CI [0.3, 0.5] for medium‐level stressors; for anxiety, the odds were 0.2, 95% CI [0.2, 0.3] for low and 0.05, 95% CI [0.4, 0.6] for medium stressors. Finally, household savings of less than $5,000 increased the risk of anxiety but not depression symptoms, OR = 1.3, 95% CI [1.0,1.6]. Together, these findings tell a devastating story of psychological distress among students from lower socioeconomic groups living in the COVID‐19 epicenter of the U.S. pandemic.

Substance use, sexual behavior, and general well-being of U.S. college students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A brief report

“…10 Multiple stressors contributed to the increased distress, including worry about their own health and of their loved ones (91%), difficulty concentrating (89%), disruptions to sleep patterns (86%), decreased social interactions due to physical distancing (86%), and increased concerns of academic performance (82%). Surveys conducted between April and May 2020 with students sampled from Southwest 11 and Northeast U.S. universities [12][13][14] have revealed similar findings.…”

“…[5][6][7][8] Evidence accumulated thus far reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in considerable psychological distress across the general population, including increased stress, anxiety, and depression, 9 and preliminary data suggests that college students may be experiencing even higher rates of psychological distress. [10][11][12][13][14] Indeed, one study found that 71% of students (N ¼ 195) sampled from a large U.S. university reported increased stress and anxiety due to the COVID-19 outbreak. 10 Multiple stressors contributed to the increased distress, including worry about their own health and of their loved ones (91%), difficulty concentrating (89%), disruptions to sleep patterns (86%), decreased social interactions due to physical distancing (86%), and increased concerns of academic performance (82%).…”

Post-lockdown depression and anxiety in the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Reasons postulated are lower education, precarious jobs and lower household and intergenerational wealth accumulation. 6 , 8 , 10 , 18–22 Younger age may play a special role as individuals are just starting with their career and adult lives. A March 2020 study of 6666 US adults found that younger age was associated with perceiving a higher risk of getting quarantined, running out of money and depression and anxiety.…”

“… 20 , 21 Families with children and lower incomes are susceptible to greater stress leading to depression and anxiety due to multiple social and economic stressors that have been accentuated by the pandemic. 18–22 Sociocultural factors from before the pandemic, along with the vulnerability to COVID-19, have rendered catastrophic consequences for several such groups (young, urban, minorities and families with low incomes). 18–21 Unfortunately, these are the groups that traditionally had the lowest access to quality mental healthcare even before the pandemic.…”

“… 18–22 Sociocultural factors from before the pandemic, along with the vulnerability to COVID-19, have rendered catastrophic consequences for several such groups (young, urban, minorities and families with low incomes). 18–21 Unfortunately, these are the groups that traditionally had the lowest access to quality mental healthcare even before the pandemic. Population-level, evidence-based mental health interventions and culturally competent mental health services will have to utilize greater technology-based resources, given the continued shutdown of many in-person services.…”