COVID-19, DEPRESSİON AND ANXİETY: A STUDY AMONG ADOLOSCENTES

Abstract

Our aim in this study was to compare the anxiety students who were studying for national exams and who were not studying for these exams. In addition, it was evaluated whether the exam anxiety of patients who had Covid and those who did not have Covid increased during this period. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in 2022. A total of 100 students were included to our study. Group 1: COVID-19 positive group, group 2: COVID-19 negative control group. School score, BAI and BDI scores were evaluated. Results: No significant demographic differences were found between COVID-19-positive and control groups in age, gender, or socio-economic status (p>0.05). The COVID-19 group exhibited higher anxiety levels with a mean BAI score of 24.7±11.4 compared to the control's 15.5±8.80 (p<0.001). Their academic performance was also lower (mean school score: 66.2±20.8) than controls (79.3±18.65, p=0.001). Negative correlations between BAI (r=-0.335, p<0.001) and BDI (r=-0.223, p=0.026) with school scores suggest that higher anxiety and depression are associated with poorer academic outcomes. Conclusions: Our study highlights the significant impact of exam stress and COVID-19 on students' anxiety levels and academic performance.