Psychological well-being during COVID-19 lockdown: Insights from a Saudi State University’s Academic Community

Abstract

Objectives Measures to control the on-going Covid-19 pandemic such as quarantine and social distancing, together with information overload about the sporadic spread of the disease have negatively impacted many individuals’ mental and psychosocial health. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of self-reported mental health parameters and the coping mechanisms of employees and students in a Saudi State University. Methods An online survey in both Arabic and English was launched targeting students, staff and faculty of King Saud University from May 11 to June 6, 2020, the peak of Saudi Arabia’s nationwide lockdown. A total of 1542 respondents (726 males and 816 females) aged 20-65 years old participated. Results Majority of the respondents claimed to have suffered from anxiety (58.1%), depression (50.2%) and insomnia (32.2%) during the lockdown. On average, 65.3% respondents agreed that family bond strengthened during lockdown. Those in the highest quartile of family bonding score (Q4) were 41% [odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.59 (0.39-0.87), p<0.001] and 59% [OR 0.41 (CI 0.27-0.64), p<0.001] were less likely to be anxious and depressed, respectively, even after adjusting for covariates. This independent and significant inverse association was more apparent in females than males. Conclusion : Self-reported acute mental health disorders were common within the academic community during the COVID-19 lockdown. Strength of family bonding as a coping mechanism was instrumental in preserving mental well-being, especially in females.

Impacts of the Covid‐19 pandemic on the health of university students

“…Self-reported deteriorations in student mental health, presenting as augmented psychological stress, anxiety, depression and even post-traumatic stress disorder, 20,63 appears to be a global phenomenon. 5,27,35,[64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72] In common with the general population, isolation, loneliness and worries about catching the disease have been found to be drivers of poor psychological health. 5,73 Specifically for students, the emergency transition to online learning has had mixed satisfaction outcomes and has found to be a stressor, particularly when associated with increased workloads and where learning technologies or internet connectivity are inadequate.…”

“…27,33,[74][75][76] The vulnerability of family members to Covid-19 infection has also emerged as a source of worry for many students. 73 Familial support networks represent an important source of psychological support for students 67,70 and bereavement or serious illness affecting relatives, or indeed the fear of such events happening 77 have been a significant cause of poor mental health in 2020. 66 However, this is not always a straightforward positive relationship and at least one study has found that for a small proportion of students, increased family conflicts during lockdown have negatively affected their mental well-being.…”

COVID-19 lockdown and lifestyles: A narrative review

“…Articles also suggest that quarantined children 169 , adolescents 170 , university students [171][172][173][174] and adults 175 , mothers of young children 176 , and other healthy adults suffered from symptoms of poor mental health, such as post-traumatic stress, anger, and confusion 177,178 . One study in Turkey found a difference in the self-reported quality of life (better) of children as opposed to the perception of their parents 179 .…”

Effects of home quarantine during COVID-19 lockdown on physical activity and dietary habits of adults in Saudi Arabia

“…Most of the COVID-19 studies in Saudi Arabia have focused on pre-existing conditions with final outcomes 20 , 21 , as well as dietary changes and mental health 22 , 23 . Given that lockdowns primarily promote a more sedentary and passive lifestyle, the present study aimed to determine the extent of altered lifestyle behavior changes during this period through a structured online survey distributed to residents of Saudi Arabia.…”