Psychological problems among university students in Saudi Arabia during
the COVID-19 pandemic
Abstract
Abstract: Background: The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic
is a public health emergency and constitutes a challenge to
psychological health. This study aimed to assess the psychological
conditions among university students in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19
pandemic. Material and Methods: During the period between the 4th and
18th of June 2020, the students at Umm AlQura University in Saudi Arabia
were invited to complete an online survey. The survey assessed their
sociodemographic characteristics, educational disciplines, and
manifestations of depression, anxiety, and stress as determined by the
Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Results: The study
included 936 students. Of them, 41.1% had depressive symptoms (31.7%
mild to moderate and 9.4% severe to very severe), 26.9% had anxiety
symptoms (15.8% mild to moderate and 11.1% severe to very severe), and
22.4% had stress symptoms (15.2% mild to moderate and 7.2% severe to
very severe). Students who reported having a friend or relative infected
with or died from COVID-19, watching or reading news about the pandemic
≥2 hours/day, and not having emotional support from family, university,
and society were more likely to show psychological problems. Conclusion:
Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress were common among Saudi
university students. Psychological counseling and support should be
provided to university students in Saudi Arabia. Keywords: Depression;
Anxiety; Stress; COVID-19; University students; Saudi Arabia