Prevalence of COVID-19 Pandemic, Self-Esteem and Its Effect on Depression Among University Students in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background and AimsUniversity students are commonly identified as susceptible, suffering from higher anxiety, stress, and depression than the overall population. During the Corona Virus Disease pandemic (COVID), education was shifted to the virtual learning environment. Students' ambiguity regarding academic accomplishment, imminent careers, changes in social life, and other concerns all these factors played a role in amplifying their stress levels, anxiety, and depression worldwide. This study investigates university students' self-esteem and depressions after they have been online learning for over 1 year due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia.MethodsFor this research, an adapted questionnaire of Rosenberg (Self-Esteem Scale) and Zung (Self-Rating Depression Scale) was used to get the responses of the participants of public and private universities in Saudi Arabia during March-April 2021. We received a total of 151 valid responses from respondents. For data analysis, we used descriptive statistics, ANOVA, multiple regression and binary logistic regression.FindingsThe results showed that 75% of the students experienced different levels of depressions, with half (37.5%) having moderate to extreme levels of depression. A total of 41% of students experienced low self-esteem (38% females and 45% males). The regression results indicated depressive symptoms for low self-esteem. Furthermore, results of logistic regression showed that high self-esteem reduces the chances of getting depressive symptoms by 17%. The depressive symptoms were higher in female students than their male counterparts; furthermore, males experienced depressive symptoms less than females by 38%.ConclusionsBased on the current research results, it is concluded that the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically increased the depressive symptoms in students, especially in female students. The findings suggested instant consideration and support for students. It is also suggested to the quest for potential managing policies that have been known and effective during the pandemic. Moreover, training should be provided for students to shift their educational experience mindset to an adaptive mindset, which can help them adapt to the new ways of learning and education.

The impact of virtual learning on students’ educational behavior and pervasiveness of depression among university students due to the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Furthermore, Khoshaim et al [ 22 ] reported that about 35% of students experienced moderate to extreme anxiety levels. Azmi et al [ 23 ] observed that 75% of students suffered from various levels of depression, while 41% suffered from low levels of self-esteem.…”

Moderating Effects of Self-Esteem on the Relationship between Communication Anxiety and Academic Performance among Female Health College Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…According to a study conducted at different universities in Saudi Arabia, healthcare students had alarmingly high levels of depression [ 15 ], while students from Italy were also found to present depressive symptoms [ 13 ]. In a similar study conducted more recently, again in students from universities in Saudi Arabia, 75% of the students experienced some level of depression after being taught online for over a year [ 16 ].…”

“…Some of the evidence suggests that it may decrease one’s academic performance [ 24 ], although many argue that it may support academic performance [ 25 ]. A study conducted in Saudi Arabia showed that over 40% of university students experience low self-esteem [ 16 ]. Another study reported that online learning posed some behavioral challenges for them [ 11 ].…”

Relationship Between Parents' Communication and Confidence in Students of the Faculty of Medicine, Tarumanagara University for the 2020 and 2021

“…16 Hasil yang didapat pada penelitian ini yaitu lebih banyak mahasiswa dengan rasa percaya diri yang rendah dapat disebabkan karena pada masa pandemi, seluruh kegiatan pembelajaran dialihkan menjadi pembelajaran secara virtual dimana hal ini dapat menjadi suatu kekhawatiran bagi mahasiswa mengenai prestasi akademik, karir yang akan datang, dan perubahan dalam kehidupan sosial. Menurut penelitian yang dilakukan Azmi et al (2022) 17 telah dibuktikan bahwa terdapat penurunan rasa kepercayaan diri pada mahasiswa selama pandemi.…”