University students' mental health amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Georgia.

AIMS

We aimed to identify the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and suicidality and identify relevant risk and protecting factors among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Georgia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted an anonymous online survey ( = 984, convenience sample by approaching all universities in Georgia and some student organizations) using valid instruments (e.g., STAI to assess anxiety, CES-D for depression, and RASS to assess suicidality). We calculated frequencies and prevalence and applied regression analysis and Chi-square tests to identify risk and protecting factors.

FINDINGS

Respondents' mental health had been significantly affected (with a high prevalence of depression (46.7%) and anxiety (79%)) during the pandemic (which coincided with political turmoil and caused an economic crisis) in Georgia. Some of the critical factors affecting mental health were: female sex ( = .000), bad general health condition (anxiety  = .001, depression  = .004), finances (anxiety and depression  < .001), reduced physical activity (anxiety  < .001, depression  = .014), and a history of self-harming (suicidality  < .001). Less family conflicts (anxiety and depression  < .05), absence of nightmares (anxiety and depression  < .001), moderate or low fears of COVID-19 (anxiety  < .001), and lower substance use (anxiety  = .023) were among the potentially protective factors. International students coped better, despite vulnerability. Medical students had a lower risk of depression.

CONCLUSIONS

In the complex socioeconomic context, mental health of students in Georgia suffered a lot during the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring thorough planning and delivery of student support services in higher educational institutions during and after the pandemic.