Impact of Socio-Psychological Issues Among University Students During Lockdown in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

The rapid COVID-19 spread is instigating a tremendous amount of concern and anxiety among the people of Pakistan. Students from Pakistan's four most prestigious universities were surveyed for the cross-sectional web-based study. An online questionnaire was distributed (Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) 7-item scale, depression (9-item PHQ (patient health questionnaire)), as well as discomfort sources (14-items) via Google forms. Total 100 replies (with an age of 21.7 years’ average and a range of 3.5 years, and a 70.5% female representation) were received. According to our findings, moderate-severe anxiety and sadness (a score of 10) were found in 34% and 46% of students, respectively. Population over the age of 31 had a much lower level of depression than those under the age of 30.

In comparison to females, males were found to have considerably lesser levels of depression and anxiety. Established anxiety was found to be more prevalent among those who had a close family member, acquaintance, or friend who had a mental illness. COVID-19 pandemic's negative consequences on daily living followed by the rapid spread of the disease were the primary sources of distress. Students' mental health is negatively impacted by COVID-19. They use active coping, spiritual/ religious coping, self-distraction, and acceptance as the most typical coping methods. During the pandemic, it is suggested that pupils' mental health is not ignored.

Keywords: COVID-19, Anxiety, Depression, University Students, Karachi, Pakistan

DOI: 10.7176/JESD/13-6-10

Publication date:March 31^st 2022