Factors Associated with Mental Health among International Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea

Kim, Hae Ran; Kim, Eun Jung

doi:10.3390/ijerph182111381

Cited by 31 publications

(28 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…In both their studies, Slovak students reported more depression than anxiety ( 33 , 34 ), which corresponds to the results of the presented study. A very similar prevalence of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression was found among college students from Saudi Arabia ( 39 ) and South Korea ( 40 ), while students from Brazil showed a higher prevalence of both depression and anxiety ( 41 ). In comparison with the results of this study, Duan et al ( 42 ) revealed a higher prevalence of depression but a lower prevalence of anxiety among Chinese college students.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 65%

Somatic Symptoms, Anxiety, and Depression Among College Students in the Czech Republic and Slovakia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Gavurová

Ivanková

Rigelský

et al. 2022

Front. Public Health

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Studying in college can be a challenging time for many students, which can affect their mental health. In addition to academic pressure and stressful tasks, another aggravating factor in student life is the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and somatic symptoms in Czech and Slovak college students during the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate possible socio-demographic determinants of mental health problems. A total of 3,099 respondents participated in this cross-sectional study (Czech Republic: 1,422, Slovakia: 1,677). The analyzes included the Patient Health Questionnaire for somatic symptoms (PHQ-15), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder instrument (GAD-7), and the Patient Health Questionnaire for depression (PHQ-9). Socio-demographic factors were gender, age, family structure, marital status, form of study, degree of study, year of study, field of study, distance between home and college, residence, and housing during the semester. Among Czech students, prevalence of somatic complaints, anxiety and depression was 72.2, 40.3, and 52%, respectively. Among Slovak students, prevalence of somatic complaints, anxiety and depression was 69.5, 34.6, and 47%, respectively. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the most severe mental health problems were identified in a non-negligible part of the sample (Czech Republic: PHQ-15 = 10.1%, GAD-7 = 4.9%, PHQ-9 = 3.4%; Slovakia: PHQ-15 = 7.4%, GAD-7 = 3.5%, PHQ-9 = 2.7%). Regarding the differences between the analyzed countries, a significantly higher score in somatic symptoms, anxiety, and depression was identified in the Czech Republic. Significant differences in mental disorders were found in most socio-demographic characteristics. The main results of the logistic regression analysis revealed that risk factors for mental health disorders in Czech and Slovak students were female gender, younger age, third degree of study, and study of Informatics, Mathematics, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Especially in the case of these high-risk groups of students, public policies should consider a response to impending problems. The findings are an appeal for a proactive approach to improving the mental health of students and for the implementation of effective prevention programs, which are more than necessary in the Czech and Slovak college environment.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 65%

Somatic Symptoms, Anxiety, and Depression Among College Students in the Czech Republic and Slovakia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Gavurová

Ivanková

Rigelský

et al. 2022

Front. Public Health

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“…(Brooks et al, 2020; Romeo et al, 2021). Females and international students have been suggested to be particularly vulnerable, though evidence of this is not consistent (Alam et al, 2021; Chen et al, 2020; Gestsdottir et al, 2021; Kim & Kim, 2021; Pappa et al, 2020; Prowse et al, 2021; J. Wang et al, 2021).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

University students’ mental health amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Georgia

Nadareishvili

Syunyuakov

Smirnova

et al. 2022

Int J Soc Psychiatry

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Aims: We aimed to identify the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and suicidality and identify relevant risk and protecting factors among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Georgia. Materials and methods: We conducted an anonymous online survey ( n = 984, convenience sample by approaching all universities in Georgia and some student organizations) using valid instruments (e.g., STAI to assess anxiety, CES-D for depression, and RASS to assess suicidality). We calculated frequencies and prevalence and applied regression analysis and Chi-square tests to identify risk and protecting factors. Findings: Respondents’ mental health had been significantly affected (with a high prevalence of depression (46.7%) and anxiety (79%)) during the pandemic (which coincided with political turmoil and caused an economic crisis) in Georgia. Some of the critical factors affecting mental health were: female sex ( p = .000), bad general health condition (anxiety p = .001, depression p = .004), finances (anxiety and depression p < .001), reduced physical activity (anxiety p < .001, depression p = .014), and a history of self-harming (suicidality p < .001). Less family conflicts (anxiety and depression p < .05), absence of nightmares (anxiety and depression p < .001), moderate or low fears of COVID-19 (anxiety p < .001), and lower substance use (anxiety p = .023) were among the potentially protective factors. International students coped better, despite vulnerability. Medical students had a lower risk of depression. Conclusions: In the complex socioeconomic context, mental health of students in Georgia suffered a lot during the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring thorough planning and delivery of student support services in higher educational institutions during and after the pandemic.

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“…Compared to domestic students, international students were more vulnerable to mental health problems during the pandemic [ 18 , 20 ]. A study was conducted on international students of South Korean universities during the COVID-19 pandemic, which showed that the prevalence rates of sleep problems, anxiety, and depression among international students were 47.1%, 39.6%, and 49%, respectively [ 21 ]. Even under normal conditions, international students are more vulnerable to mental problems (e.g., depression), struggle with the local medical system, and are less inclined to seek psychological help [ 19 , 22 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence of mental health problems among stranded international students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Iftikhar

Perceval

et al. 2022

BMC Psychol

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Background The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spread fast throughout China and the rest of the world, prompting the World Health Organization to declare a worldwide pandemic on March 11, 2020. Many countries have implemented travel bans, lockdowns, and stay-at-home policies to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors of mental health problems among international students stranded outside of China during the pandemic. Methods A qualitative study was conducted among non-Chinese international students enrolled at Chinese universities who were stranded in their home countries. The participants were recruited using a purposive sampling technique. Following informed consent, in-depth interviews were conducted with the help of a semi-structured guide. Two independent investigators transcribed and coded the interview data. The investigators established themes after going through a detailed discussion. Results Participants reported several mental health risk factors, such as a rise in hopelessness and level of uncertainty, worry, lost interest and focus, lack of support, unemployment and financial hardships, social pressure, behavioral and mood changes, sleep disorder, and increased smoking. These mental health problems will affect the concentration and deep learning, thereby increasing academic stress. In addition, we found that the outbreak of the delta-variant led to a further increase in these mental health risk factors. Conclusions The pandemic scenario, along with international travel restrictions, increased the likelihood of mental health problems among stranded international students. Thus, preventing further rises in mental health disorders and reducing the effects of pandemic-related measures on stranded international students, such as researchers and policymakers can mitigate the pandemic's effects and achieve national or international health and educational goals. Adequate intervention for this group is strongly recommended.

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Factors Associated with Mental Health among International Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea

Cited by 31 publications

References 42 publications

Somatic Symptoms, Anxiety, and Depression Among College Students in the Czech Republic and Slovakia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Somatic Symptoms, Anxiety, and Depression Among College Students in the Czech Republic and Slovakia: A Cross-Sectional Study

University students’ mental health amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Georgia

Prevalence of mental health problems among stranded international students during the COVID-19 pandemic

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