Fear, depression, and well-being during COVID-19 in German and South African students: A cross-cultural comparison

Abstract

Various studies have shown a decrease in well-being and an increase in mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, only a few studies have explored fear, depression, and well-being cross-culturally during this time. Accordingly, we present the results of a cross-cultural study that (1) compares these mental health scores for German and South African students, (2) compares the correlations among them, and (3) identifies COVID-19 fear, well-being, and depression predictors. German and South African societies differ from each other socio-culturally, politically, and economically. Their university systems also differ to a large extent. University students in both countries completed the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Welch’s t-test, correlation, and multiple regression analyses were performed. (1) German students were found to have statistically lower levels of COVID-19 fear and depression, but lower levels of general well-being than South African students. (2) In both samples, fear of COVID-19 was negatively correlated with well-being and positively associated with female gender and depression. (3) Additionally, female gender, depression, and lower well-being were identified as predictors of COVID-19 fear in both samples. The findings indicate that the fear of COVID-19 is associated with and varies according to gender, depression, and well-being across cultures, and that the difference in the intensity of fear between German and South African students may be partly explained by cultural and contextual differences. These findings can create a deeper understanding of the pandemic’s impact on student communities and may be used by mental health practitioners and researchers to develop and apply culture-specific interventions.

Socioeconomic Deprivation and Inequalities in Mental Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic among Adolescents

“…The same was found in studies from Lithuania [ 41 ], Austria [ 54 , 55 ] and the Netherlands [ 56 ] (which all found lower WHO-5 scores in females compared to males). In addition, Jusienė et al [ 41 ] and Holm-Hadulla et al [ 57 ] found that females were more likely to report emotional and behavioural problems lasting longer than one year and had more COVID-19 anxiety, suggesting poorer mental health than males, and further supporting our findings. It has been suggested that the explanation for the poorer mental health in female adolescents may be related to COVID-19 restrictions.…”

Relationship between eHealth, Perceived Risk, and Phobia of COVID-19 among Chinese University Students in Korea and China

“…Despite limitations, the fndings of this study have substantial implications for public health, particularly in terms of COVID-19 prevention and students' well-being in universities [88]. Many universities in China, Korea, and other countries have conducted back-to-campus studies.…”

Self-perceived impact of COVID-19 measures and adolescent mental health: gender, age and socioeconomic differences in 22 Countries

“…It can be discussed if females suffered more from COVID-19 measures. Cross-cultural research found that females were more likely to report emotional and behavioural problems lasting longer than one year and had more COVID-19 anxiety, suggesting poorer mental health than males (50,51). There is evidence that girls are more likely than boys to rely on their social networks for support when dealing with signi cant life stressors (52).…”