Covid-19: Predictors of Depression and Anxiety Among High School Students

Abstract

Although it is thought that Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection does not clinically affect children as severely as adults, the short and long-term psychological effects on adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic are quite significant. The aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression and related factors in high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic. In June and July 2020, 506 high school students from two different provinces were included in the present study. A questionnaire form including sociodemographic characteristics, 'Child Depression Scale' and 'State-Trait Anxiety Scale' were applied online. Univariate and multivariate analyzes were used in data analysis, and p<0.05 was accepted as significance level. Depression prevalence was 22.9 %, median trait anxiety score was 44, and median state anxiety score was 39. Low-income level, think of themselves or the household was at risk, using information sources other than health professionals, high screen time, high mother coronavirus stress score and low family communication score were shown to increase depression. Higher school grades, not regularly exercising, think of themselves or the household were at risk, staying alone at home, high mother's and father's coronavirus stress scores and low family communication score were shown to increase state anxiety. Adolescents highly suffer from psychological outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is essential to involve the family in planning and implementing early mental health interventions during the pandemic, especially as parent-related factors affect children's psychological state. During the social isolation period, it is recommended to organize indoor exercise programs for children and adolescents, limit the time spent in front of the screen, and improve communication with family members.

Impacts caused by the use of screens during the COVID-19 pandemic in children and adolescents: an integrative review

“…The changes caused by social isolation had a great impact on the mental health of the pediatric and adolescent population. 12,20,27,29,38 This new reality implies less time for performing outdoor activities and lack of socialization with peers, consequently fostering the use of electronic devices both for education and as a form of leisure. 17,27 Children who use screens for long periods have higher levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms.…”

“…17,27 Children who use screens for long periods have higher levels of depressive and anxiety symptoms. 12,17,[26][27][28]32,38 In contrast, although education implies spending several hours in front of a screen, learning can act as a form of protection, since it allows the reduction of stressors caused by confinement. 27 The use of smartphones at younger ages may be a risk factor for mental health in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

La salud mental en los estudiantes de secundaria durante la pandemia

“…Salud mental Aumento del estrés durante la pandemia con predominio en las chicas. (Yakşi et al, 2021); el puntaje de calificaciones en los cursos (Alqassim et al, 2022); bajo niveles de actividad física (Berki y Pikó, 2021); familia de escasos recursos ; mala relación padre-hijo ; baja calidad de sueño, (Peng et al, 2022). Con respecto al trastorno ansiedad son: el nivel de la educación del padre, los inconvenientes en la educación en línea, el género y la edad (AlAzzam et al, 2021); fuente de información respecto a la pandemia como las redes sociales, amigos y vecinos (Yakşi et al, 2021); las horas dedicadas a los dispositivos electrónicos (Alqassim et al, 2022); situación económica de la familia (Radwan et al, 2021); relación familiar y apoyo social (Cao et al, 2022).…”

“…(Yakşi et al, 2021); el puntaje de calificaciones en los cursos (Alqassim et al, 2022); bajo niveles de actividad física (Berki y Pikó, 2021); familia de escasos recursos ; mala relación padre-hijo ; baja calidad de sueño, (Peng et al, 2022). Con respecto al trastorno ansiedad son: el nivel de la educación del padre, los inconvenientes en la educación en línea, el género y la edad (AlAzzam et al, 2021); fuente de información respecto a la pandemia como las redes sociales, amigos y vecinos (Yakşi et al, 2021); las horas dedicadas a los dispositivos electrónicos (Alqassim et al, 2022); situación económica de la familia (Radwan et al, 2021); relación familiar y apoyo social (Cao et al, 2022). (Berki y Pikó, 2021); la tendencia a culparse a sí mismo y tendencia a la fobia (Qin et al, 2021); el estrés y los problemas mentales conllevan a la ideación suicida de los estudiantes (She et al, 2022;Peng et al, 2022); el uso diario de los teléfonos inteligentes ocasiona dolor de cabeza, dolor de espalda, trastornos visuales y mala calidad de sueño (Rashid et al, 2021); los varones mostraron mejor resiliencia para relacionarse con los padres (Jusienė et al, 2022).…”