THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
- Author:
Fazlollah Keshavarzi
1
;
Chia Megan
1
;
Chon Kar Sin
1
;
Chong Chua Wei
1
;
Chong Chun Ming
1
;
Connie Wong Yin Yin
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: COVID-19, Mental Health, Suicidal Ideation, Social Isolation
- From:ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry 2021;22(8):1-7
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of Malaysian university and pre-university students, especially after the shift to online academic activities, following almost one year of experiencing the pandemic
Methods:A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among Malaysian pre-university and university students, nationwide, using perceived stress scale-10 questionnaire and another validated 11-construct questionnaire.
Key findings: :The online questionnaires were filled out by 383 Malaysian pre-university and university students. About 40% of the respondents reported moderate to severe level of loneliness and social isolation. There was a significant correlation between suicidal thoughts and the social isolation. The prevalence of moderate to severe suicidal thoughts (14% of the respondents) was more than the reported prevalence before COVID-19 pandemic. The residential state, gender and ethnicity of the respondents did not show an association with depressive and suicidal thoughts of the respondents.
Conclusion:Loneliness and feeling social isolation were the most prevalent problems, as reported by the students. Suicidal Thoughts are more prevalent, compared to pre-COVID-19 reports. The educators and institution managers must seek for appropriate methods to address the critical condition. - Full text:202409170940498128617.2021my0044.pdf
