IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON MENTAL HEALTH OF DHAKA UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

Student mental health in the university setting has been an expanding concern.
The COVID-19 pandemic could be detrimental to the psychological wellness of
university students. The aim of this investigation was to see the mental health
outcomes of Dhaka University students during the COVID-19 outbreak. A crosssectional
survey using a convenient sampling technique was conducted among
193 students of the University of Dhaka within a time duration of 1 month. Data
was gathered by utilizing the web survey including DASS-21BV, demographic
questions, and health-related queries with respect to COVID-19. The prevalence of
anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms was 64.2 % and 66.9%, respectively,
and 51.8% of students reported mild to extremely severe levels of stress. Age
group was significantly associated with DASS-21 depression subscale scores (χ2
(2)> =14.179, p= .007). Hall status was also significantly associated with DASS-21
anxiety subscale scores (χ2 (2)> =10.001, p= .040). Sleep-related queries with respect
to COVID-19 were significantly associated with DASS-21 anxiety subscale scores
(χ2 (2)> =24.135, p= .002). COVID-19-related queries on attention, enthusiasm,
mental state, and self-confidencewere also significantly associated with depressive
symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and stress levels (p<.001). The COVID-19 outbreak
seems to have had a considerable psychological impact on Dhaka University
students and would be benefited greatly through adequate support from the
relevant authorities to cope with the situation mentally.