Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Students’ Mental Health: A Case Study of Jordanian Universities

Abstract

Aims: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic spans all aspects of life. This study aimed to investigate the mental health situation of Jordanian university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Instrument & Methods: This cross-sectional study on 1000 university students from April to May 2020. A web-based survey that investigates students' psychological distress and anxiety was conducted. Google Form was used to create the survey, and it was published using Facebook and WhatsApp applications over university students’ groups. SPSS 19 software was used for analysis. Nonparametric tests (Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis) were used to examine the significant associations between psychological distress and anxiety; an ordinal regression analysis was also performed. Findings: Of the 1000 students who filled the questionnaire, 39.3% were male, and 60.7% were female. The Mean±SD age of the student was 22±3.8 years old. 42.1% suffer from distress, and 72.6% suffer from anxiety. Furthermore, male gender and family income stability were protective factors against psychological distress and anxiety. Regions (Irbid, Balqa, Jerash, Ajloun, Alzarqa, Tafila, Amman, Aqaba, Karak, Maan) were considered as a risk factor. Conclusion: Covid-19 pandemic affects students’ mental health, primarily distress and anxiety. Male gender and family income stability are protective factors. Some regions are considered as risk factors.