The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Students of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the numbers of cases and deaths worldwide have begun to increase, the closure of schools, universities, shops, workplaces, and the vast degree of precautionary actions, have left students feeling helpless, isolated, bored, and uncertain of what would happen to their academic advancement. Our study aims to assess the degree of the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: During the early days of the pandemic, the survey sample was based on non-probability sampling. We conducted an online-based survey using a snowball sample technique. The survey collected data on several aspects of the participants, including the psychological impact of COVID-19, using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The current study shows an extensive analysis of the survey with a focus on the impact of the pandemic on students. Results: A total of 336 students were recruited for the study and responded to the survey. The IES-R showed that 7.1% and 23.8% of the students experienced moderate and severe symptoms, respectively. On the DASS stress subscale, 13.4% and 10.7% of students experienced severe and extremely severe stress symptoms, respectively. With regards to anxiety, 6.0% and 15.8% of students experienced severe and extremely severe symptoms, respectively. As much as 11.6% and 17.6% of the students experienced severe and extremely severe symptoms of depression, respectively. Females were more likely to experience symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), stress, anxiety, and depression. Having a family member working in the field of health/medicine was significantly associated with depression; poor to average health and previous diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder was associated with a higher chance of developing PTSD, stress, anxiety, and depression. Conclusion: During the early days of the pandemic, nearly one-fourth of students experienced moderate to severe symptoms of PTSD. Our findings could help guide schools and universities in implementing a clear, effective strategy for students to navigate the coming academic year and expand the efforts made on academic and psychological counseling, especially for the vulnerable populations.

Stress, Coping, and Resilience Before and After COVID-19: A Predictive Model Based on Artificial Intelligence in the University Environment

“…Such is the case of the recent study by Ozamiz-Etxebarria et al (2020) in which the snowball probability sample was used. In terms of sample size, the present investigation also bears some similarity to other studies on the impact of COVID-19 such as that of Alkhamees and Aljohani (2021) with N=336. Newly, it is possible to analyze the information by assuming limitations of the design and biases in the decision making process during neural network design.…”

“…In Germany, 39.6% of university students reported increased stress levels (Schlichtiger et al, 2020). In Saudi Arabia, the prevalence of severe or extreme stress in this group was 13.4 and 10.7%, respectively (Alkhamees and Aljohani, 2021). A survey of a representative sample of the Spanish population demonstrated that 45.7% had experienced an elevation in their feeling of unease; further, the main reasons for seeking psychological help were the presence of depressive symptomatology (56.2%), and primarily, stress and anxiety (75.7%) (Balluerka et al, 2020).…”

Experience and Perceptions of Medical and Dental Interns on the Effects of the COVID- 19 Pandemic on their Internship Program- A Questionnaire Based Study in Makkah Region of Saudi Arabia

“…Abdul Majeed and Moath S A, reported in their study that, during the early days of the pandemic, nearly one-fourth of students experienced moderate to severe symptoms of PTSD. Their findings could help guide schools and universities in implementing a clear, effective strategy for students to navigate the coming academic year and expand the efforts made on academic and psychological counseling, especially for the vulnerable populations [38]. Sanjeev K and Abdul Mohsen A, reported in their study that, the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of dental interns.…”

Loneliness and Depression Among Female University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 2020

“…Moreover, during the pandemic, moderate to high stress was prevalent (85%) among students studying in virtual classrooms in Saudi Arabia, especially females and university students [11]. Similarly, another two Saudi studies that were conducted during the pandemic showed that university students had significant symptoms of depression (48.8% and 56.3%) and anxiety (40.8% and 40.3%), especially female students [12,13]. Another study conducted among medical students found that 94% suffered from moderate to high perceived stress, and 47% had anxiety symptoms [22].…”