ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry 2021;22(8):1-7

THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Fazlollah Keshavarzi 1 ; Chia Megan 1 ; Chon Kar Sin 1 ; Chong Chua Wei 1 ; Chong Chun Ming 1 ; Connie Wong Yin Yin 1

Affiliations

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Keywords

COVID-19, Mental Health, Suicidal Ideation, Social Isolation

Country

Malaysia

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.