School life in COVID-19 post-lockdown: differential effects of socio-demographics and adjustments on mental health indicators among university students

Abstract

ABSTRACT We examined the differential effects of some socio-demographic; and the separate and interactive effects of types of adjustments on university students’ mental health indicators (somatic symptoms, anxiety/insomnia, social dysfunction and depression). In a cross-sectional approach, we selected 603 undergraduates (M age = 21.88, SD = 2.25) from a Nigerian university who answered a structured questionnaire that included measures of studied variables from June to August 2021. No gender difference was observed in students’ mental health indicators. Social dysfunction was most reported by 3rd year students; while those from separated homes reported both anxiety and depression most. Somatic symptoms, social dysfunction, anxiety, and depression were higher among students with poor academic, social, emotional, or attachment adjustments. Students who struggled academically and socially reported more social symptoms; whereas those who struggled academically and emotionally were more depressed. Additionally, students with low social and attachment adjustments reported higher social dysfunction and depression; while those with low academic, emotional, and attachment adjustments reported higher anxiety and depression. Adjustment mechanisms are essential for students to enjoy good mental health during COVID-19 post-lockdown irrespective of their gender; especially those from broken homes. Psychological supports are regularly required to improve students’ mental health during COVID-19 post-lockdown.