NU1 -- A Qualitative Assessment on Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental health among college students
Start Date
8-4-2022 10:30 AM
End Date
8-4-2022 12:15 PM
Location
URC Greatroom
Document Type
Event
Abstract
Purpose: Mental health issues among college students have risen at unprecedented levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. The progressively deteriorating mental health of college students after COVID-19 needs to be addressed promptly as it could lead to long-term concerns for physical health and academic success, as well as negative college experiences. The purpose of this study is to document the impact of COVID-19 among college students in a rural setting in the southeast region of the US. Understanding this phenomenon thoroughly could inform future interventions. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a mass email was sent to undergraduate students providing them a link to an online survey. To enrich the study with qualitative data, the study added an open-ended question in the online survey. Forty-five participants in the study provided comments to the open-ended questions. Results: During the qualitative analysis, eight major themes emerged from the participant's responses. Some students faced an existential crisis and they felt the experience had changed them. Students expressed that transitioning to online classes worsened their mental health by further exacerbating anxiety, fear, and stress. Students reported lower grades, lack of motivation, procrastination, and lack of focus. Students expressed concern and frustration regarding the ambivalent actions taken by the university and the university’s faculty during the pandemic. Students reported an increase in maladaptive behaviors such as the use of drugs and alcohol, social isolation, as well as suicidal ideations to cope with mental health challenges. Students reported a strain in relationships and finances due to COVID-19. Some students expressed hope for the future while others worried about the future. Conclusions: The current study provides insights to understand the impact of COVID-19 on mental health. Some students’ concerns were basic like wearing masks and lack of motivation while others reported major concerns indicating suicidal ideation. It is important to identify students who are being severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and provide immediate intervention from the stakeholders including the university and parents. to promote mental health among college students. Findings from the study offer information for developing psychological, academic, and campus-wide interventions.
Keywords
Nursing, General Health Science
NU1 -- A Qualitative Assessment on Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental health among college students
URC Greatroom
Purpose: Mental health issues among college students have risen at unprecedented levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. The progressively deteriorating mental health of college students after COVID-19 needs to be addressed promptly as it could lead to long-term concerns for physical health and academic success, as well as negative college experiences. The purpose of this study is to document the impact of COVID-19 among college students in a rural setting in the southeast region of the US. Understanding this phenomenon thoroughly could inform future interventions. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a mass email was sent to undergraduate students providing them a link to an online survey. To enrich the study with qualitative data, the study added an open-ended question in the online survey. Forty-five participants in the study provided comments to the open-ended questions. Results: During the qualitative analysis, eight major themes emerged from the participant's responses. Some students faced an existential crisis and they felt the experience had changed them. Students expressed that transitioning to online classes worsened their mental health by further exacerbating anxiety, fear, and stress. Students reported lower grades, lack of motivation, procrastination, and lack of focus. Students expressed concern and frustration regarding the ambivalent actions taken by the university and the university’s faculty during the pandemic. Students reported an increase in maladaptive behaviors such as the use of drugs and alcohol, social isolation, as well as suicidal ideations to cope with mental health challenges. Students reported a strain in relationships and finances due to COVID-19. Some students expressed hope for the future while others worried about the future. Conclusions: The current study provides insights to understand the impact of COVID-19 on mental health. Some students’ concerns were basic like wearing masks and lack of motivation while others reported major concerns indicating suicidal ideation. It is important to identify students who are being severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and provide immediate intervention from the stakeholders including the university and parents. to promote mental health among college students. Findings from the study offer information for developing psychological, academic, and campus-wide interventions.