Socio-Economic and Mental Health Impacts of COVID-19 Lockdown on Students Learning in Pakistan

Abstract

Evaluation of the e-learning activities in this crisis period amid COVID-19 has significant importance to propose effective mediations for the smooth running of learning and teaching. Keeping this in mind, the present study takes a lead and identifies the key problems associated with online classes during the COVID-19 lockdown in Pakistan. In addition, we examine the “Stay at Home” orders of government impacts on the mental health of students. The empirical analysis is based on a cross-sectional survey covering students from all educational groups across Pakistan. A sample of 1,114 students is collected via a structured questionnaire constructed using Google Form and floated online to students in all educational institutions in Pakistan. Results indicate that students living in a city that has “Stay at Home” orders in place at the time of the survey is linked with a decrease in mental health by 0.525 standard deviations (p-value=0.0560), suggesting that “Stay at Home” orders have led to a significant reduction in the mental health of the students. Students who report being stayed at home during lockdown have significantly better mental health scores. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive descriptive statistical analysis of the online classes designed for lockdown on different socio-economic and mental health aspects.