Psychosocial Impact of Covid-19 on Students at Institutions of Higher Learning

Abstract

<p>Students at higher institutions of learning are more susceptible to psychosocial problems compared to the general public. These may further be exacerbated by the measures put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19. This mixed methods study examined the factors associated with the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on students’ financial stability, interpersonal relationships and worries related to achieving academic milestones. Data comprised of a series of closed and open-ended questions collected via Qualtrics from students in the United States and Africa (Central and West). The quantitative data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages and chi-square, while the qualitative data was analyzed using thematic content analysis. More than 90% of the students resided in the United States, 72.5% were females and 78.4% were undergraduates. Financial hardship was experienced by 26.4% of the students, 55.8% indicated that COVID-19 negatively affected their relationship with friends and over 40% worried over delays in achieving academic milestones. Continent of residence, employment status and financial hardship were significantly associated with the negative impact of COVID-19 on one or more of the students’ relationships and with worries about achieving academic milestones. Qualitative data support the findings that financial hardship contributed to experience of psychological distress by students. It also revealed negative (compromised relationships – broken or fractured relationships and loneliness) and positive (bonding) impact of COVID-19 on interpersonal relationships. School administrators should provide students with resources to access economic relief packages and tele-counseling services to help meet their financial and psychosocial support needs amidst COVID-19.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0734/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Mental health consequences of COVID-19 pandemic among college students and coping approaches adapted by higher education institutions: A scoping review

“…Another survey that studied the impact of COVID-19 on students confirmed that the status of being a student was associated with a higher frequency of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, perceived stress and suicidal thoughts ( Akin- Odanye et al, 2021a ). The research literature also elaborated on the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of students all across the world.…”

“…In another study, where students were surveyed to understand the mental health impact of COVID-19 on higher institutions students. results deliberated that financial stability, interpersonal relationships and worries related to achieving academic milestones were the major factors that triggered mental health problems among students ( Akin- Odanye et al, 2021a ).…”

“…The positive impact of peer support was also realized especially during COVID times to ameliorate the negative impact on mental health during the pandemic ( Suresh et al, 2021 ). Notably, a team of research scholars and students also came together to provide help to their fellow college mates through telephonic and email conversations as well as assisting with academic pressure ( Ibrar and Chettri, 2020 ; Akin- Odanye et al, 2021b ). It was recommended that students' access to economic relief packages, access to virtual counselling and psychosocial support would help improve the negative impacts of the pandemic ( Dorsey and Topol, 2020 ).…”

“…Almost two years into the pandemic, it is commendable how many colleges have responded promptly by focusing on remote education instead of in-person classes ( Ibrar and Chettri, 2020 ). Remote learning allows college students to sustain their academic routine which is found to benefit mental health and psychological resilience in the long run ( Akin- Odanye et al, 2021b ). Though learning via online classes has allowed for education to continue amidst the wreck of the pandemic, it hasn't been the most comfortable for many.…”

Unemployment Anxiety in Light of the Coronavirus 2019 Pandemic and Its Relationship to Psychological Reassurance among Graduate Students at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University

“…Akin-Odanye et al [62] carried out a mixed-method study to examine the issues related to the mental impacts of the Coronavirus 2019 pandemic on students' fiscal steadiness, interpersonal relations, and worries connected to attaining instructional milestones.…”