Is it Just About Physical Health? An Internet -Based Cross-Sectional Study Exploring The Pyschological Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic On University Students in Jordan Using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale

Abstract

Background Since the spread of COVID-19 on a global scale, most of efforts at the local, national, and international levels were directed primarily to mitigate the spread of the disease. However, the psychological impacts of COVID-19 on global mental health were not thoroughly investigated yet, and studies that report the mental health risks of COVID-19 are still scarce.Objectives This study aimed to assess the level of psychological distress among university students in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated national measures.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online self-administered questionnaire, The survey comprised of questions about (i) sociodemographic information, (ii) the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), (iii) coping activities , and (iv) the students’ greatest concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.Results A total of 381 completed questionnaires were included in the analysis. Female participants slightly predominated the sample (n=199, 52.2%). The respondents aged 18-38 years (mean 22.6 years, SD: 3.16). The total K10 distress scores had a mean of 34.2 (SD:9.4). However, the mean of total K10 distress scores had no significant association with gender (P=0.57). Age was negatively associated with total K10 distress score (P=0.0013). Concerning severity, most of respondents were regarded as having severe psychological distress (n=265, 69.5%), and females were found to have a statistically significant higher percentage in mild and severe psychological distress (P= 0.035), (P=0.016); respectively. 209 students (54.9%) reported that they had no motivation for distance learning. There was a statistically significant inverse relationship between severe psychological distress and motivation for distance learning (P<0.0001). The most common coping strategy among students was spending more time on social media (n=269, 70.6%). Besides, 49 students (12.9%) reported the use of medications to cope with COVID-10 related distress, and 209 students (54.9%) reported distance learning was their most serious concern.Conclusion The COVID-19 control measures resulted in a severe disruption of various human life activities, and this could impact the mental health of individuals, including students. A nationwide psychological support program should be incorporated into Jordan’s response strategy in combating the COVID-19, considering students and other vulnerable groups in Jordan.

Psychological state and family functioning of University of Ibadan students during the COVID-19 lockdown

“…Whereas, the present study was carried out among university students aged 16 to 30 years; these previous authors, [18, 19, 31] carried out their survey among all age groups. The present findings are in keeping with that of some other authors, [17, 32, 33], which were all carried out among university students. It is possible that other factors, such as age, combine to make females more prone to psychological distress.…”

“…Besides, the top three coping methods used by the undergraduate students included social media-Whatsapp, status challenges, Instagram, among others - watching television or movies and participation in online skills acquisition programmes or extra-curricular study activities. These methods are similar to those mostly used by university students in Jordan, as reported by Al-Tamemmi et al [[33]. Also, students in states where there was a total lockdown experienced a significantly higher level of depression.…”

Global prevalence of mental health issues among the general population during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…3); 36.5% (95% CI 30.0-43.3) for stress (22 studies 37,[50][51][52][53][54]57,58,71,73,75,76,80,114,117,119,120,122,125,129,131,136 , n = 110,849, Fig. 4); 50.0% (95% CI 41.8-58.2) for psychological distress (18 studies 39,47,52,59,63,65,70,72,78,79,85,86,88,102,110,118,121,128 , n = 81,815, Fig. 5); and 27.6% (95% CI 19.8-36.1) for sleep problems (15 studies 35,53,58,80,84,103,106,107,…”

The mental impact of digital divide due to COVID-19 pandemic induced emergency online learning at undergraduate level: Evidence from undergraduate students from Dhaka City

“…COVID-19 is a highly transmissible respiratory disease caused by a new type of human coronaviruses, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARS-COV2) ( Al-Tammemi et al., 2020 ; Sifat, 2020a ). The public health crisis applies to people of all ages across the globe.…”