Depression and insomnia among students during COVID-19 pandemic - cross sectional study
Journal
Srpski arhiv za celokupno lekarstvo
Date Issued
2023
Author(s)
Aleksovski, Boris
Bukovetz, Jansun
DOI
10.2298/sarh230324052r
Abstract
<jats:p>Introduction/Objective In the first year of COVID-19 pandemic, global
prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25%, according
to the World Health Organization. Objective of the study was to determine
the level of depression and insomnia among students in North Macedonia
during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Cross-sectional study was performed among
students at the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje during May-July
of 2021. The anonymous online survey contained questions for sex, age, their
opinion, and attitude to COVID-19 infection, if they had any
infection/isolation and about physical activity during the pandemic. We used
scales for assessment of insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index - ISI) and
depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9 - PHQ-9). Results The study was
completed by 355 participants, 28.4% of them had clinically important
insomnia scores and almost 47.5% of the participants presented clinically
important depression scores. Female and younger participants had higher
scores for both scales. A highly statistically significant, positive
correlation was detected between ISI and PHQ-9 scores (? = 0.646, p =
4.05?10-43), suggesting that during the examined cross-sectional period of
COVID-19 pandemics, depression and insomnia were mutually connected.
Conclusions COVID-19 pandemic caused a serious impact on mental health of
the population, especially on young people, girls, students, and those who
live alone. Therefore, we should be prepared for support and treatment of
these vulnerable groups, not only as health care services, but also as
educational institutions to give support to students in terms of
consultation and motivation.</jats:p>
prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25%, according
to the World Health Organization. Objective of the study was to determine
the level of depression and insomnia among students in North Macedonia
during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Cross-sectional study was performed among
students at the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje during May-July
of 2021. The anonymous online survey contained questions for sex, age, their
opinion, and attitude to COVID-19 infection, if they had any
infection/isolation and about physical activity during the pandemic. We used
scales for assessment of insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index - ISI) and
depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9 - PHQ-9). Results The study was
completed by 355 participants, 28.4% of them had clinically important
insomnia scores and almost 47.5% of the participants presented clinically
important depression scores. Female and younger participants had higher
scores for both scales. A highly statistically significant, positive
correlation was detected between ISI and PHQ-9 scores (? = 0.646, p =
4.05?10-43), suggesting that during the examined cross-sectional period of
COVID-19 pandemics, depression and insomnia were mutually connected.
Conclusions COVID-19 pandemic caused a serious impact on mental health of
the population, especially on young people, girls, students, and those who
live alone. Therefore, we should be prepared for support and treatment of
these vulnerable groups, not only as health care services, but also as
educational institutions to give support to students in terms of
consultation and motivation.</jats:p>