Prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study among Palestinian students (10–18 years)

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic considers a threat to students’ well-being and mental health. The current descriptive cross-sectional study aims to identify psychological distress among school students during the lockdown period. Methods This study was carried out in a sample of 420 primary and secondary school students from June 10 to July 13, 2020, in the Gaza Strip in Palestine. Data was collected using an online questionnaire that included informed consent, socio-demographic questions, and a psychometric scale (DASS-21). Results The results revealed that most students experienced moderate to severe levels of anxiety (89.1%) and depression (72.1%), whereas less than half of them (35.7%) experienced moderate to severe stress. Stress, anxiety and depression scores were significantly different across gender, age groups, family size, and family's economic status. The results showed that gender (β = -0.174, p < 0.001), age (β = −0.155, p = 0.001) and economic level of family (β = −0.147, p = 0.002) were negative predictors correlated with stress. Family size (β = 0.156, p = 0.001) played a positive role in stress. It was found that gender (β = −0.105, p = 0.031), age (β = −0.135, p = 0.006) and economic level of family (β = −0.136, p = 0.005) were negative predictors correlated with anxiety, whereas family size (β = 0.139, p = 0.004) played a positive role in anxiety. For depression, gender (β = −0.162, p = 0.001), age (β = −0.160, p = 0.001) and economic level of family (β = −0.131, p = 0.007) were negative predictors correlated with depression, whereas family size (β = −0.133, p = 0.006) was found to be a positive predictor. Concerns about the influence of COVID-19 on economic, education, and daily life were positively correlated to the levels of depression, anxiety and stress, whereas the availability of social support was negatively correlated. Conclusion The development of a health protocol for influenced students is urgently needed to maintain them remain resilient during dangerous times.

Efficacy of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression and Anxiety among Global Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial Study

“…People tend to suffer from sadness, stress, and anxiety during a health crisis, due to the panic of being infected with the disease [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. People who suffer from diseases that do not have a cure or immunization will experience worry, tension, depression, and anxiety [ 8 ].…”

Role of COVID-19 pandemic in the academic life and well-being of private sector university students: an exploratory qualitative study

“…In the contemporary world, the COVID-19 pandemic appeared as the most devastating turmoil among students belonging to socially disadvantaged countries since they have more stressors and are more vulnerable to stress due to a lack of mental health facilities 43 44. Further, sudden academic transition prompts a sense of insecurity about their learning journey that triggers appalling consequences on their well-being and calls for pandemic preparedness measures 19 45.…”

Association between psychological distress and coping strategies among students engaged in online learning

“…Perceived stress among University of Nizwa students in Oman reported that 82.5% were experiencing medium stress, while 14.4% experienced raised stress during COVID-19 e-learning [41]. A sample of 420 primary and secondary school students in Palestine showed that 35.7% experienced moderate to severe stress levels [42]. University students are primarily acknowledged as a vulnerable population; therefore, the radical shift in education affects students regardless of their socio-economic status.…”