Loneliness and Mental Health Distress among University Students and Staff in Trinidad and Tobago
A Cross-Sectional Survey
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 19228303 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Ngozika Esther Ezinne (0000-0003-3138-0213, Africa Health Research Institute), V Balabin Victor (University of the West Indies), Virgina Mary Victor, Isaac Koomson (0000-0002-2929-4992, The University of Queensland), Nnamdi Mgbemena (0000-0001-5787-8824, Southern Cross University), Uchechukwu L Osuagwu (0000-0002-1727-6914, Western NSW Local Health District, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Publication date | 2026-04-24 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2196-8837 • E-ISSN: 2197-3792 |
| Publisher | Springer Science+Business Media (PUBLISHER • DE) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s40615-026-02980-6 |
| PMID | 42029979 |
| OpenAlex | W7155568259 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 33 |
OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between loneliness and mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, and stress) among university students and staff in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). METHODS: A cross-sectional, institution-based online survey was conducted between April 2024 and April 2025. Eligible participants who were drawn from the University of the West Indies, T & T, completed validated questionnaires that included the DASS-21 for assessing depression, anxiety, and stress and the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3). Multivariable ordinary least squares regressions were used to assess associations, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Subgroup analyses were conducted by age cohorts. RESULTS: Of the 423 eligible individuals invited, 372 completed the survey (response rate 87.9%). About 72.5% reported moderate to severe loneliness scores, and 76.2% experienced symptoms of at least one mental health condition. A one-unit increase in loneliness score was associated with a 0.31-point increase in depression score (p < 0.01), a 0.18-point increase in anxiety score (p < 0.01), and a 0.20-point increase in stress score (p < 0.01). Associations were strongest in the 26–40 years age group. Participants who had a mixed-ethnicity background had significantly higher stress levels than Afro-Trinidadians (β = 1.12, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Loneliness was significantly associated with increased mental distress among university populations in Trinidad and Tobago. Findings provide post-pandemic evidence from the Caribbean supporting the need for institutional strategies that promote social connectedness and culturally responsive mental health support
Anxiety · Depression (economics) · Distress · Loneliness · Mental health · Social support · UCLA Loneliness Scale · COVID-19 and Mental Health · Epidemiology · Health disparities and outcomes · Mental Health Treatment and Access
Loneliness before and during the Covid-19 pandemic
Prevalence and risk factors for mental health problems in university undergraduate students
Prevalence of anxiety symptom and depressive symptom among college students during Covid-19 pandemic
The validity of the 21-item version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales as a routine clinical outcome measure
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The prevalence of loneliness across 113 countries
Social Safety Theory
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The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales—21 (Dass‐21)
Impact of Covid-19 pandemic on mental health in the general population
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Global burden of 369 diseases and injuries in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019
Ucla Loneliness Scale (Version 3)
Researching the researchers
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University Students’ Mental Health and Well-Being during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Health and wellbeing of staff working at higher education institutions globally during the post-Covid-19 pandemic period
A Critical Scoping Review of Mental Health and Wellbeing Research with Multiracial Subsamples 2012–2022
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |