Levels Of Anxiety Research Articles

Anxiety among Ukrainian academic staff during wartime

The ongoing war in Ukraine has significantly impacted the mental health of academic staff, with anxiety emerging as a predominant issue. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) among Ukrainian academic staff and determine the influence of sociodemographic factors, such as gender, age, migration status, scientific degree, and job title, on anxiety levels. The research was conducted using a cross-sectional online survey between December 2023 and February 2024. The sample included 429 participants from various Ukrainian universities, representing both male and female academic staff, holding job positions such as assistants, senior lecturers, associate professors, and full professors. The findings revealed that 44.3% of participants experienced moderately severe to severe anxiety, with migration due to the full-scale war being a significant predictor of higher anxiety levels. Notably, male academic staff exhibited higher anxiety levels than their female counterparts, contrary to typical peacetime trends, suggesting that wartime responsibilities and societal expectations may play a crucial role. The data underscore the need for targeted mental health support, particularly for displaced academic staff, and highlight the importance of developing gender-specific interventions. These insights are vital for informing policies and support programs to enhance academic staff’s mental health and productivity in conflict zones, ensuring the continuity and quality of scientific research during and after the war.

Impact of platelet-rich fibrin derivatives on patient morbidity and quality of life in palatal donor sites following free gingival graft surgery: a randomized clinical trial.

Platelet concentrates are biomaterials with significant potential in tissue regeneration, functioning as scaffolds with greater leukocyte inclusion and a flexible fibrin mesh. However these concentrates have different preparation methods and biological properties. The objective of this clinical investigation was to evaluate the effects of utilizing platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) materials (L-PRF and A-PRF) as a palatal bandage following free gingival graft (FGG) on patients' morbidity and oral health-related quality of life. Thirty-nine participants received FGG to promote keratinized tissue and treat gingival recession. Participants were randomly assigned to L-PRF, A-PRF, and control groups, with 13 participants in each. They used a visual analog scale (VAS) to rate their pain, analgesic medication use, dietary changes, discomfort, and bleeding at 1-7 days, 14 days and 1 month during the healing process. Patients' quality of life was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) at baseline, 1-7 days, 14 days, 1 month, and 6 months. There was no difference in anxiety levels between the all groups. (p > 0.05). The control group had higher OHIP-14 total scores than the other groups, but the differences were not statistically significant, especially in the first seven days (p > 0.05). In addition, the PRF groups showed an improvement in quality of life after 14 days, 1 month, and 6 months (p < 0.05). Patients' pain and suffering decreased with healing. The control group took more postoperative analgesics than PRF groups. In addition, there was a significant decrease in patient complaints about medicine intake, bleeding, pain, perceived sensitivity, and dietary modifications in all groups during follow-up. PRF palatal bandages may improve patient's quality of life, donor site healing, postoperative pain and morbidity. This study found that preserving the palate in FGG and employing PRF materials that speed palate healing reduce discomfort and morbidity.

Challenges Of Obtaining Reliable Eyewitness Testimony from Children and Practical Implications

The reliability of eyewitness testimony provided by children has always been a controversial area in research. This paper addresses the challenges of obtaining reliable eyewitness testimony from children and explores its practical implications. The research background highlights the importance of understanding children's developmental stage, memory and language skills, and how these factors influence their ability to provide accurate testimony. The review explores the different aspects that influence the reliability of children's testimony, including verbal and non-verbal factors, cognitive instructions, and how to build trust. As children have high emotional needs, it is important to provide support while obtaining eyewitness testimony. The final section summarizes the main findings, highlighting the effectiveness of multiple interviews, flexible questioning strategies and the importance of parent and interviewer support. Disadvantages include differences in children's anxiety levels and the need to adapt interview techniques to children. Future research should focus on refining these techniques and studying the impact of different support systems on children from different backgrounds.

Anxiety, depression and access to mental health services among internally displaced persons in Mogadishu, Somalia: a cross-sectional survey

ObjectiveThe study aims to evaluate anxiety and depression levels and access to mental health services among internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Mogadishu, Somalia.DesignA community-based, cross-sectional survey was carried out in...

Sexual dysfunction among long-term survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma.

Survival rates from childhood cancer continue to increase, with an ongoing interest in long-term survivorship. Although infertility and gonadal failure are well recognized in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) survivors, sexual dysfunction is less studied. The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in HL survivors with that in matched community controls. Long-term survivors of HL (n=186; female, 51.61%; mean age at diagnosis. 14.41 years [range, 3.01-22.60 years]; current mean±standard deviation age, 36.73±7.93 years) and matched community controls (n=182; female, 50.55%; mean±standard deviation age, 36.41±9.02 years) completed a comprehensive, in-person clinical assessment, laboratory battery, and the International Index of Erectile Function or the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire. Male survivors had increased levels of erectile dysfunction (18.89% vs. 6.67%; p=.0239) but indicated no difference in sexual desire. Female survivors had a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction compared with female controls (46.88% vs. 15.22%; p<.0001) and an increased prevalence of moderate-to-severe loss of sexual desire (38.04% vs. 23.26%; p=.0361). Female survivors with sexual dysfunction indicated increased levels of anxiety (p=.0184), depression (p=.0153), and worse physical and mental health (p=.0141 and p=.0419, respectively). Male survivors with erectile dysfunction had higher rates of anxiety and impaired physical health (p=.0147 and p=.0266, respectively). Sexual dysfunction was prevalent in this childhood and adolescent Hodgkin lymphoma survivor cohort and was associated with effects on quality of life. Health care providers must recognize the need for screening and intervention in this group to hopefully contribute to improved overall quality of life.

Use of follow-up psycho-oncology consultations in urological cancer after transition from inpatient to outpatient care.

In urological oncology, the physical and psychological effects of cancer and its treatment post-discharge highlight the importance of follow-up psycho-oncology consultations. This study examines their utilisation and identifies predictors in urological cancer patients after inpatient care. A prospective, single-centre clinical observational study was conducted. Inpatients with urological cancer and ≥ 5 points on the Distress Thermometer and/or request for psycho-oncological support were recruited, offered an initial psycho-oncology consultation, and up to five online or on-site appointments within three months of discharge. The following variables were collected: socio-demographics, psycho-oncological baseline documentation (PO-BADO), psychosocial distress (Distress Thermometer with problem list), anxiety and depressive symptoms (GAD-2 &amp; PHQ-2), and performance status (ECOG). A total of 501 patients were screened, 139 were included, and 108 were analysed. 25 patients used psycho-oncological follow-up care (n = 16 online). The final hierarchical model predicting the use of follow-up psycho-oncological support included the two predictors: age (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.90-0.96) and anxiety (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.11-2.44). Nearly one in four urological cancer patients use follow-up psycho-oncology consultations, mostly online. Predictors for this usage are younger age and higher levels of anxiety. To improve care: 1) online services reduce barriers; 2) older patients require support with these services; and 3) screening specifically for depression is crucial to ensure that follow-up appointments are scheduled as a mandatory part of hospitalisation.

The effect of social anxiety on social attention in naturalistic situations

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives This multimodal two-phase study investigated the impact of trait social anxiety on exploration, social attention, and autonomic responses in a naturalistic setting. We expected higher avoidance of potentially crowded spaces, reduced visual attention on other people, and heightened physiological arousal in social situations for participants with higher social anxiety levels. Design and Methods Eighty-seven participants, pre-screened for high variance in trait social anxiety, first completed a half-hour walk on a freely chosen route and subsequently had a staged social interaction with a confederate consisting of a non-interactive waiting phase and a short conversation. Results While social anxiety did not modulate the choice of route during the walk phase, socially anxious participants avoided gazing at other individuals in non-interactive situations, i.e., during the walk and the waiting phase. In contrast, during actual interaction, they showed increased visual attention towards the confederate’s face. Across all experimental phases, highly socially anxious individuals showed elevated heart rates, but this effect was independent of the social context. Conclusions This study showed that social anxiety affects social exploration behavior not in a way of general avoidance, but rather in nuanced adaptations depending on the concrete situation, likelihood of interaction and associated socio-evaluative threat.

The prevalence of early maladaptive schemas, anxiety, and coping strategies in adolescent girls who are survivors of sexual abuse: a case report

ABSTRACT Sexual abuse of adolescent girls often leads to maladaptive behavioural patterns, variable anxiety responses, and dysfunctional coping mechanisms. This case report aims to investigate the prevalence of early maladaptive schemas (EMSs), anxiety, and coping strategies among five adolescent girls who are survivors of sexual abuse. The participants had a mean age of 16.6 years (±1.14 years) and were residing at the Ibtissama Social Complex Support Association (ISCSA) in Meknes, Morocco. Data were collected using a suite of standardised Likert-scale instruments. The State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form (YSQ-SF), and Ways of Coping Checklist (WCC) were used. Findings reveal pervasive EMS activation and high anxiety levels among all participants, with emotion-focused coping as the predominant mechanism. These results emphasise the critical roles of EMS, anxiety, and coping strategies following sexual abuse, highlighting the need for effective, scalable therapeutic interventions for this vulnerable demographic.

Differentiating anxiety profiles in medical students: a latent profile analysis

ABSTRACT Previous studies have confirmed a high prevalence of anxiety among medical students. The present study aimed to identify distinct medical student anxiety profiles to develop targeted interventions. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 735 medical students (346 males and 389 females) recruited voluntarily from mainland China. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was applied to explore profiles of various types of anxiety, including test anxiety, academic anxiety, social anxiety, career choice anxiety, general anxiety, and trait anxiety. The results showed that LPA yielded four profiles, comprising 17.14, 20.82, 21.50, and 40.54% of the sample respectively. Specifically, Class 1 (17.14%) showed the highest levels of multiple types of anxiety, particularly the highest level of general anxiety. Class 2 (20.82%) and Class 3 (21.50%) showed moderate levels of anxiety, but they displayed different patterns across various types of anxiety except for social anxiety. Class 4 (40.54%) displayed the lowest levels of anxiety across all types. These profiles differed in academic status and depression. Further, the multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that the high-anxiety group (Class 1) was more likely to be elder students, with lower sports frequency and a higher degree of self-handicapping. These results call for the need to move beyond linear relations among global constructs to address the complexity of anxiety coping and highlight the importance of customized intervention for these heterogeneous groups.

The Effect of Forgiveness and Resilience on Anxiety, Depression and Stress in Nursing Students.

Purpose: To examine the effects of forgiveness and resilience on anxiety, depression, and stress in nursing students. Design: Cross-sectional correlational study. Methods: The convinient sample of the study consisted of 383 nursing students. Results: Significant predictors of nursing students' anxiety levels were experiencing an event where they could not forgive themselves or others and resilience. Significant predictors of nursing students' depression levels were gender, income level, experiencing an event where they could not forgive themselves or others, resilience, and self-forgiveness. Significant predictors of nursing students' stress levels were experiencing an event where they could not forgive themselves or others, resilience, and forgiveness of others. Conclusion: An increase in the level of self-forgiveness in nursing students reduced depression symptoms, and an increase in the level of forgiveness of others decreased stress symptoms. An increase in the level of resilience reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Female gender and a middle level of income reduced symptoms of depression. Interventions that increase forgiveness and resilience should be integrated into the curriculum to reduce nursing students' psychological symptoms in the context of holistic nursing.

Impact of perceived social support on anxiety and depression in women undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer: the role of psychological resilience.

This study aimed to analyze the current status of women's perception of social support levels, psychological resilience, anxiety, and depression levels during IVF-ET, as well as investigate the influence of perceived social support and psychological resilience on the anxiety and depression levels of women undergoing IVF-ET and the mediating role of psychological resilience in this process. In this study, a convenience sampling method was used to administer a questionnaire survey among 433 women undergoing IVF-ET. Then, multivariate linear regression models were applied to identify factors influencing anxiety and depression. Lastly, mediation effect analysis was conducted to explore the mediating role of psychological resilience. The incidence of anxiety and depression was 42% and 46.4%, respectively. The mean score of the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) indicated a high to moderate level of support, while the mean score of the Conner-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) suggested moderate psychological resilience. Perceived social support was positively correlated with psychological resilience, and both were negatively correlated with anxiety and depression. Perceived social support and psychological resilience were identified as influencing factors of anxiety and depression (P < 0.001). Moreover, there was a partial mediating effect of psychological resilience between perceived social support and both anxiety and depression (P < 0.01). These results highlight the need for healthcare providers to assess patients' levels of psychological resilience and perceived social support when developing mental health interventions in order to mitigate the risk of anxiety and depression and concomitantly enhance fertility outcomes.

Investigating the Anxiety of Free-Fall Paratroopers and Its Determining Factors: Experience and Personality Traits in a Military Base

Background: Skydiving anxiety varies according to individual personality traits. Identifying key factors influencing paratroopers' well-being and performance is essential. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between anxiety and personality traits in free-fall skydivers. Methods: An analytical study was conducted at a military base in Guilan province, Iran, with free-fall paratroopers selected through random sampling. Data were collected using three questionnaires covering demographics, anxiety levels, and personality factors. Results: Fifty-eight paratroopers were assessed; 79.3% were under 30 years old. Free-fall paratroopers exhibited higher levels of extraversion and conscientiousness and lower levels of neuroticism. Trait anxiety was found to be higher among those with neuroticism. Experienced paratroopers displayed higher trait anxiety, with no significant relationship to state anxiety, experience level, or age. Conclusions: High trait anxiety in neurotic paratroopers is meaningful in relation to personality traits examined in this study.

Study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial on simulation-based communication training for pediatric cardiology trainees (SIMUL-CHD)

BackgroundEffective physician-patient communication is crucial to compassionate healthcare, particularly when conveying life-altering diagnoses such as those associated with congenital heart diseases. Despite its importance, medical practitioners often face challenges in communicating effectively. Because of these gaps, we aim to introduce a simulation-based training protocol to improve pediatric cardiology trainee’s communication skills. This study will be conducted in collaboration with associations supporting caregivers of children with congenital heart disease. It strives to demonstrate how specific training programs can efficiently foster humanistic, patient-centered care in standard medical practice.MethodsThis multicenter, open-label randomized controlled trial will be conducted in pediatric cardiac units and simulation centers of across 10 universities in France. The study population comprises pediatric cardiologists in training (including pediatric cardiac fellows or specialist assistants). The SIMUL-CHD intervention will consist of simulation-based training with standardized patients, focusing on improving communication skills for pediatric cardiology trainees during diagnostic counselling. Patients and caregivers have been recruited from a National Patient Association named “Petit Cœur de Beurre”. The primary outcome is the quality of physicians’ communication skills. The evaluation committee, which will review video recordings of the sessions, will be blinded to which participants received simulation-based training (group of interest) and which received theory-based training (control group). Secondary outcomes are the effect of SIMUL-CHD on empathy and anxiety levels in young pediatric cardiologists. Baseline scores pre and post-intervention will be compared, and skill improvement resulting from the intervention measured.DiscussionSimulation-based training has proven efficacy in teaching technical skills in various scenarios however its application to communication skills in pediatric cardiology remains unexplored. The involvement of experienced parents provides a unique perspective, incorporating their profound understanding of the emotional challenges and specific hurdles faced by families dealing with congenital heart disease.Trial registrationThis trial is registered with the OSF registry (registered https://osf.io/ed78q).

The Effectiveness of Psychological Resources Supporting a Person’s Well-Being in the Face of Uncertainty and Stress: A Research Contributing to SDG Objectives

Objective: the aim of the study is to identify the combinations of psychological capital components (PsyCap) and person’s traits which can impact the person’s well-being in the situation of uncertainity and stress. Theoretical framework: the methodogical principles of determinism (the assumption that all behaviors have a specific cause) and systemic approach (analyzing complex phenomena by studying the interrelations between various components as a whole) were adopted. The main theory which was taken into account is an Evidence-Based Positive Approach of psychological Capital (Luthans F. et al, 2017). Methods: the theoretical review of the psychological aspects of uncertainty and the psychological survey was conducted (with the application of Psychological Capital Questionnaire-PCQ, Myers–Briggs Type Indicator-MBTI, The Spielberger-Hanin anxiety test-STAI) Results and discussion: the study revealed that some combinations of personal traits and components of psychological capital can lead to adaptation during uncertainty and stress more effectively even with higher level of trait anxiety. Research implications: the results can be applied in the sphere of psychological support to deal with potential challenges with limited resources by organizing the effective mechanism of coping with uncertainty and stress. Originality: the study contributes the 3th objective of SDG (good health and well-being). The algorithm of effective perception of uncertainty was shown and some consistent patterns of PsyCap components were revealed.

Biomechanical factors influencing mental health in college students and the role of physical activity in cognitive resilience

The Mental Health (MH) of college students is increasingly becoming a public health concern, with rising rates of depression, anxiety, and stress. This study aims to explore the relationship between Biomechanical Factors (BF), Physical Activity (PA), and MH outcomes in college students, addressing gaps in current research that frequently overlook the biomechanical features of physical well-being. A cross-sectional observational design was employed, involving 200 college students aged 18–24. SP underwent comprehensive assessments, including postural analysis, movement pattern evaluation, and MH screening. Physical activity levels and cognitive resilience were also measured to evaluate their roles in mediating and moderating the relationships between BF and MH. Key findings revealed that poor biomechanical alignment, such as forward head posture and movement asymmetry, were significantly associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Correlation analysis showed that forward head posture correlated positively with depression (r = 0.52, p &lt; 0.01) and anxiety (r = 0.47, p &lt; 0.01). Movement asymmetry was also associated with MH disturbances (depression: r = 0.45, p &lt; 0.01). PA mediated the relationship between BF and MH, with significant indirect effects via PA for forward head posture (0.18, p &lt; 0.05). Cognitive resilience emerged as a significant moderator, buffering the negative impact of biomechanical inefficiencies on MH outcomes. Within-subject comparisons indicated improvements in BF and MH scores over a one-month follow-up, with decreases in forward head posture (−2.2 ± 1.5 degrees, p &lt; 0.05) and depression scores (−1.5 ± 1.2, p &lt; 0.01).

Validation and efficacy of a tele-yoga intervention for improving psychological stress, mental health and sleep difficulties of stressed adults diagnosed with long COVID: a prospective, multi-center, open-label single-arm study

The objective of this study was to validate and test the efficacy of a 16-week tele-yoga intervention for perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia in individuals who had had COVID-19 infection in the previous year, and had reported moderately high levels of psychological stress (PSS ≥14). 25 and 50-min versions of the program were developed. They were then validated using Lawshe’s content validity ratio after obtaining feedback from 20 yoga therapy experts. The safety and efficacy of the two programs were subsequently tested in a prospective, multicenter, open-label single-arm study. Eighty-six adults (18 male, 68 female) were recruited from two tertiary mental healthcare institutions, 48 in NIMHANS, Bengaluru; and 38 in SCARF, Chennai. Participants were assessed at weeks zero, 4, and 16 using validated tools. Data were analyzed using a Mixed Model, Intention to Treat approach. After week 16, 31 subjects remained in the trial and continued to practice yoga without any side effects. Subjects who adhered in the trial had significantly higher levels of baseline anxiety and depression as compared to subjects who dropped out. Results at week 4 included significant reductions in levels of perceived stress, anxiety, and insomnia; improvements were maintained at week 16. Correlations between number of yoga sessions and post-intervention PSS scores were negative (r = −0.49), and significant (p&amp;lt; 0.05). Both tele-yoga programs proved safe, useful tools to counteract perceived stress, anxiety and insomnia. Future trials should explore the utility of tele-yoga as a tool to enhance well-being and manage stress.

The effects of exercise on anxiety symptoms in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a pilot study.

Anxiety is a common mental health issue during pregnancy. Moreover, women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) seem to have to cope with higher levels of anxiety, being at higher risk for several health and mental complications. Women with GDM are recommended to undertake regular physical exercise to improve metabolic and reproductive outcomes. However, there are no specific guidelines for exercise in women with GDM and data on its relationship with mental health are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of exercise on anxiety symptoms in pregnant women with GDM. The present non-randomized, open-label clinical trial was a pilot study intended to provide initial data on the effect of exercise on anxiety symptoms of pregnant women with GDM. Forty-three women were assigned to three the following three study groups, (a) Advice Group (n = 17), Walking Group (n = 14), and Mixed Exercise Group (n = 12), from GDM diagnosis to delivery. Based on the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores, all groups showed normal anxiety changes or mild anxiety levels pre- and post-intervention, ranging between 9.00 (1.00-32.00) (pre-intervention) and 7.5 (1.00-26.00) (post-intervention), but none experienced severe anxiety. In the present study, a trend of self-selected pace walking to reduce the BAI scores was identified since the Walking Groups had lower scores after the intervention. However, this trend did not reach statistical significance. Brisk walking (30-45min) three times per week may produce positive changes in both the treatment plan and the anxiety state of women with GDM. Moreover, the study confirms that routine medical care, counseling, and support by an interdisciplinary team are protective against anxiety in women with GDM.

Research on the relationship between college students’ English learning anxiety and biomechanical factors

English learning has become essential for higher education for students throughout the world, particularly in non-English-speaking nations where fluency in the language is frequently linked to success in the classroom, employment prospects, and international communication. Learning English is an emotional as well as a cognitive endeavor for many students. Anxiety related to language acquisition, including exam anxiety, fear of rejection, and fear of communication, is a common issue that can significantly impact how well students achieve. The goal of this research is to examine the connection among biomechanical characteristics and the anxiety that college students have while learning English. Participating in this study were 326 college students in total. Participants will also complete a structured questionnaire survey on biomechanical factors, as well as supposed muscle tension, posture habits, and physical discomfort throughout English learning sessions. The Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) is a validated instrument that will be used to measure English learning anxiety levels. The data was analyzed by statistical methods, including Regression analysis and Pearson correlation were utilized to ascertain the association between the English learning anxiety score and biomechanical factors. To evaluate students’ anxiety and biomechanical reactions, an ANOVA will be used. The data was analyzed using SPSS v20 software. The result established the relationship between English learning anxiety and biomechanical factors is necessary for creating more supportive learning environments. Research demonstrates that the relationship between bodily reactions and anxiety, needs to address the mental and physical components of stress, and the significance of developing more effective methods of lowering anxiety, boosting student well-being, and raising academic achievement in English learning. This research suggests the relationship between college students’ English learning anxiety and biomechanical characteristics, adding to a more complete understanding of how physical and psychological aspects impact English language learning outcomes.

A randomized controlled trial on the effect of cranial electrotherapy stimulation on depression, anxiety, and craving in addicted male patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment.

Addicted patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment are prone to several complications and the risk of relapse. The present study aims to investigate the effect of cranial electrotherapy stimulation on depression, anxiety, and craving in addicted male people undergoing methadone maintenance treatment. This randomized controlled trial study was conducted on 60 male patients referred to Persia addiction treatment center between 2021 and 2022. Patients were randomly divided into two equal treatment and placebo groups. The treatment group received cranial electrotherapy stimulation intervention for 48 sessions of 30min. Depression and anxiety were evaluated using the Hamilton questionnaire before and after the intervention, and the level of craving was also evaluated with the Federdi 2008 questionnaire. Comparing the level of depression and anxiety before and after the intervention in both treatment and placebo groups did not show any significant difference (p < 0.05). Craving after the intervention was significantly different in both groups and was lower in the treatment group compared to the placebo group (33.43 versus 42.17, p = 0.004). In the placebo group, the level of anxiety and depression, and in the treatment group, the level of depression, anxiety and craving for consumption decreased significantly after the intervention compared to before the intervention (p < 0.05). Cranial electrotherapy stimulation did not have a significant effect on reducing the level of depression and anxiety of patients, but it is effective in the reduction of craving in addicted people undergoing methadone maintenance treatment. This randomized clinical trial was registered on 2022/5/13 with clinical trial code of IRCT20210523051367N1.

The impact of COVID-19 on Health Science undergraduate students’ academic experience and mental health: A pilot study

The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant disruptions in teaching and learning at universities, predisposing university students to develop mental health issues which may impact their academic experience. This study evaluated the academic experience and mental health status of students enrolled in Health Science courses at Swinburne University of Technology via a mixed-methods cross-sectional survey conducted on 36 students (18+ years). Out of these students, 10 attended in-depth interviews. Results obtained from both quantitative and qualitative data analyses found high levels of stress, anxiety and depression, with more than 50% experiencing levels above the clinical thresholds. About 39% of the participants reported feeling able to concentrate on their learning when materials were delivered via an online mode. Students’ engagement through online learning was significantly disrupted, 97.2% of the respondents found it difficult to perform group work and 75% reported not being able to engage with their peers. Higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression were significantly associated with a compromised learning experience. Spearman’s Rank Correlation showed a significant negative association between stress and students’ engagement with online learning (Spearman’s rho=-0.49, p=0.003). Supporting the learning experiences along with monitoring the mental health of all university students should be of high priority for university authorities.