Mental health and wellbeing of further and higher education students returning to face-to-face learning after Covid-19 restrictions

Abstract

Aim This study aimed to examine the mental health and wellbeing of further and higher education students and the associating factors after returning to face-to-face (in-person) learning after Covid-19 restrictions. Methods A cross-sectional study informed by student consultations was conducted using a survey design. Mental health and wellbeing were assessed using self-report items on the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS). Descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were conducted on data collected between December 2021 and June 2022. Results N = 1160 students participated; 69.6% between 16 and 25 years, 67.9% studying in the UK, 66.5% studying away from home, 60.2% identified as she/her, 59.8% studying at the undergraduate degree level, 42.5% belonging to non-White ethnic backgrounds, 29.6% identifying as having additional needs and 22.8% as sexual minority. Moderate anxiety (M = 13.67, SD = 9.92) and depression (M = 17.04, SD = 11.56) scores were mainly reported. Wellbeing scores (M = 20.31, SD = 3.93) were lower than the estimate for the pre-pandemic general population. Gender expression, sexuality, age, ethnicity, having additional needs, and level and location of study was associated with mental health or wellbeing. Individual coping styles, levels of self-efficacy and physical activity were also associated with mental health or wellbeing. Conclusions Many students returning to further and higher education after Covid-19 restrictions experienced reduced mental health and wellbeing, and some students were at greater risk. Providing student-centred interventions focusing on self-efficacy, coping styles and physical activity may help improve the mental health and wellbeing of students.

COVID-19 Pandemic and Nursing Education – Nursing Students as Members of the Academic Community in New Educational Reality

“…At the same time, it highlighted the opportunities offered by online educational materials in distance education, providing information that cultivates critical thinking [39]. This confirms that although students may be able to return to face-to-face education, they are likely to continue to face mental health and well-being challenges related to the pandemicstress may persist for some students as PTSD (49.4 %), as mentioned in a recent study in Australia [25,33].…”

“…On the other hand, previous research has shown that the wider use of distance education after the end of the Covid-19 pandemic, provided an opportunity to create new contexts of interaction through the development of innovative digital technologies (67% of participants) [24]. Meanwhile, another study found a strong link between negative emotions and the use of communication technologies, as they isolate people and deprive them of interaction [25]. However, one of the elements that needs immediate attention in the education system is the provision of mental health services and the implementation of studentcentred methods and practices that focus on the prevention and restoration of mental health and wellbeing.…”

Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Levels among University Students: Three Years from the Beginning of the Pandemic

“…These proportions were quite similar to Greek students. Another cross-sectional study on December 2021 and June 2022 reported moderate anxiety and depression, associated with gender, age, and studies [ 29 ].…”

Mental health coping strategies and support needs among marginalised further and higher education students in the UK: A cross-sectional study

“…We conducted an international survey between December 2021 and July 2022 that aimed to examine the mental health and wellbeing of further and higher education students returning to face-to-face (in-person) learning after the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were lifted [46]. Owing to the aims of the current study, a sample of that dataset was deemed appropriate, since several studies highlighted that the COVID-19 pandemic was a stressful period for students [46][47][48][49]. The total sample from the original dataset consisted of N = 1160 post-secondary students recruited internationally from a variety of education settings, including colleges and universities [46].…”