Debowska Agata, Horeczy Beata, Boduszek Daniel, Dolinski Dariusz
Department of Psychology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
Faculty of Psychology and Law, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Poznan, Poland.
Psychol Med. 2020 Oct 2:1-4. doi: 10.1017/S003329172000392X.
The time of widespread outbreaks of infectious diseases can lead to elevated stress and mental health problems among all persons affected, and in particular those sub-groups of the population that are at an increased risk of mental health problems. One such vulnerable group constitutes university students. The aim of this study is to assess stress, depression, anxiety, and suicidality among different groups of university students (medical, psychology, and other).
Using a repeated cross-sectional study design, we collected survey data among a large sample of 7228 university students from Poland (mean age = 22.78, s.d. = 4.40; 81% female). Data were collected in five waves, during the first 2 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe (March and April 2020).
The results demonstrate a significant increase in depression levels as the pandemic was progressing. We also found that female students scored significantly higher than male students on depression, anxiety, and stress. Psychology students recorded the lowest scores on depression and anxiety. Young adult students (aged 18-24 years) had more symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidality than adult students (⩾25 years).
These results provide insights into stress and mental health among university students during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings can be used for a more effective identification of students who may struggle during next stages of the pandemic and future crises.
传染病广泛爆发的时期会导致所有受影响人群的压力增加和心理健康问题，尤其是那些心理健康问题风险较高的人群亚组。大学生就是这样一个弱势群体。本研究的目的是评估不同组别的大学生（医学、心理学和其他专业）的压力、抑郁、焦虑和自杀倾向。
采用重复横断面研究设计，我们收集了来自波兰的7228名大学生大样本的调查数据（平均年龄 = 22.78，标准差 = 4.40；81%为女性）。数据在欧洲新冠疫情大流行的前两个月（2020年3月和4月）分五波收集。
结果表明，随着疫情的发展，抑郁水平显著上升。我们还发现，女学生在抑郁、焦虑和压力方面的得分显著高于男学生。心理学专业的学生在抑郁和焦虑方面得分最低。青年学生（18 - 24岁）比成年学生（≥25岁）有更多的抑郁、焦虑和自杀倾向症状。
这些结果为新冠疫情大流行早期大学生的压力和心理健康提供了见解。研究结果可用于更有效地识别在疫情下一阶段和未来危机中可能面临困难的学生。
