The relationships of preventive behaviors and psychological resilience with depression, anxiety, and stress among university students during the Covid-19 pandemic

A two-wave longitudinal study in Shandong Province, China

Datos Bibliográficos

ID22073708
AutoresHexian Li (0000-0002-0445-8014, Shandong University), Jingjing Zhao (0009-0005-0010-228X, Shandong University), Rui Chen (0000-0003-4846-3402, Shandong University), Hui Liu (0000-0001-5519-148X, Shandong University), Xixing Xu (0009-0007-8449-5002, Shandong University), Jing Xu (0000-0001-7414-9383, Shandong University), Xiaoxu Jiang (0009-0008-9117-4028, Shandong University), Mingli Pang (0000-0002-6988-1200, Shandong University), Jieru Wang (0009-0004-1964-2924, Shandong University), Shixue Li (0000-0002-5328-4161, Shandong University), Jiaxiang Hou (Shandong University, autor de correspondencia), Fanlei Kong (0000-0001-7792-4488, Shandong University, autor de correspondencia)
Año2023
Volumen11
Páginas1078744-1078744
Fecha de publicación2023-03-21
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
EditorialFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2023.1078744
PMID37026148
OpenAlexW4328114945
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas5
Referencias citadas50

Introduction Studies have shown that the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to long-term health problems; therefore, more attention should be paid to the mental health of university students. This study aimed to explore the longitudinal effects of preventive behaviors and psychological resilience on the mental health of Chinese college students during COVID-19. Methods We recruited 2,948 university students from five universities in Shandong Province. We used a generalized estimating equation (GEE) model to estimate the impact of preventive behaviors and psychological resilience on mental health. Results In the follow-up survey, the prevalence of anxiety (44.8% at T1 vs 41.2% at T2) and stress (23.0% at T1 vs 19.6% at T2) decreased over time, whereas the prevalence of depression (35.2% at T1 vs 36.9% at T2) increased significantly ( P < 0.001). Senior students were more likely to report depression (OR = 1.710, P < 0.001), anxiety (OR = 0.815, P = 0.019), and stress (OR = 1.385, P = 0.011). Among all majors, medical students were most likely to report depression (OR = 1.373, P = 0.021), anxiety (OR = 1.310, P = 0.040), and stress (OR = 1.775, P < 0.001). Students who wore a mask outside were less likely to report depression (OR = 0.761, P = 0.027) and anxiety (OR = 0.686, P = 0.002) compared to those who did not wear masks. Students who complied with the standard hand-washing technique were less likely to report depression (OR = 0.628, P < 0.001), anxiety (OR = 0.701, P < 0.001), and stress (OR = 0.638, P < 0.001). Students who maintained a distance of one meter in queues were less likely to report depression (OR = 0.668, P < 0.001), anxiety (OR = 0.634, P < 0.001), and stress (OR = 0.638, P < 0.001). Psychological resilience was a protective factor against depression (OR = 0.973, P < 0.001), anxiety (OR = 0.980, P < 0.001), and stress (OR = 0.976, P < 0.001). Discussion The prevalence of depression among university students increased at follow-up, while the prevalence of anxiety and stress decreased. Senior students and medical students are vulnerable groups. University students should continue to follow relevant preventive behaviors to protect their mental health. Improving psychological resilience may help maintain and promote university students' mental health

Anxiety · China · Disease · Gee · Generalized estimating equation · Longitudinal study · Mental health · Pandemic · Psychiatry · Psychological resilience · Clinical Psychology · COVID-19 and Mental Health · Medicine · Mental Health Research Topics · Psychology · Resilience and Mental Health · Social Psychology · Internal Medicine