Social Distancing: Prevalence of Depressive, Anxiety, and Stress Symptoms Among Brazilian Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic can impact mental health, triggering symptoms such as anxiety, stress and depression. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the levels of anxiety, depression and stress during the period of social distancing due to COVID-19 in students from a campus of the Federal Institute in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre/RS. A correlational and exploratory study was performed. The sample of the present research was composed by 208 students, who responded to a self-administered online questionnaire with sociodemographic variables and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale Short Form – DASS-21. The detected prevalence of symptoms classified as moderate-severe was 49% for stress, 39% for depression and 33% for anxiety. An association was found between higher levels of anxiety symptoms (OR = 5.652; 95% CI = 2.872–11.123; p < 0.001), depression (OR = 3.289; 95% CI = 1.810–5.978; p < 0.001) and stress (OR = 5.684; 95% CI = 3.120–10.355; p < 0.001) with occurrence of sleep problems during the period of social distancing. There was a protective factor provided by regular physical exercise in relation to depressive symptoms (OR = 0.490; 95% CI = 0.250–0.960; p =0.033). These data are extremely important for understanding the adverse effect on the mental health of students and for developing psychological support strategies, thus promoting well-being during and after the pandemic.

COVID-19 dimensions are related to depression and anxiety among US college students: Findings from the Healthy Minds Survey 2020

“…In terms of interventions, reducing COVID-19 concern may require efforts to promote active coping (see El-Monshed et al., 2021 ) and resilience ( Chmitorz et al., 2018 ; Steinhardt and Dolbier, 2008 ). Other interventions may aim to encourage physical exercise, preferably outdoors whenever possible, which is known to improve mood (see Esteves et al., 2021 ; Browning et al., 2021 ). Many of interventions can be administered through online and mobile platforms, including loneliness interventions among college students (e.g.…”

Associations of Sociodemographic Factors and Health Behaviors with the Emotional Well-Being of Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil

“…Studies with college students in two Brazilian cities showed a high prevalence of symptoms of stress, depression, anxiety, and mood swings. In addition, engagement in physical activity was associated with better psychological outcomes [31,32].…”

Effects of COVID-19 lockdown on university students’ anxiety disorder in Italy

“…In this respect, Jones et al ( 2021 ), studying the City University of New York, underlined that more than half of the interviewed students (54.5%) reported relevant levels of anxiety/depression and an increased need for mental health services due to the pandemic. Esteves et al ( 2021 ) detected a positive association between high levels of anxiety symptoms and occurrence of sleep problems among Brazilian university students during the lockdown period. Garvey et al ( 2021 ), using the GAD-7 (7-items Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale) test to detect anxiety levels in Spain, found a relevant proportion of university students affected by high levels of anxiety connected to the pandemic.…”

“…Several analyses applied to university students showed higher rates of anxiety/depression and financial instability due to the pandemic all over the world (e.g., Esteves et al, 2021 ; Garvey et al, 2021 ; Jones et al, 2021 ). In this respect, Jones et al ( 2021 ), studying the City University of New York, underlined that more than half of the interviewed students (54.5%) reported relevant levels of anxiety/depression and an increased need for mental health services due to the pandemic.…”