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Depressive Symptoms in Swiss University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Correlates

Author

Listed:
  • Thomas Volken

    (Department of Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland)

  • Annina Zysset

    (Department of Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland)

  • Simone Amendola

    (Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Anthony Klein Swormink

    (Department of Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland)

  • Marion Huber

    (Department of Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland)

  • Agnes von Wyl

    (School of Applied Psychology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, 8005 Zurich, Switzerland)

  • Julia Dratva

    (Department of Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland
    Medical Faculty, University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland)

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 containment measures and the uncertainties associated with the pandemic may have contributed to changes in mental health risks and mental health problems in university students. Due to the high burden of the disease, depression is of particular concern. However, knowledge about the prevalence of depressive symptoms in Swiss university students during the pandemic is limited. We therefore assessed the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their change during the COVID-19 pandemic in a large sample of Swiss university students. Methods: We assessed depressive symptoms in two cross-sectional cohorts of university students ( n = 3571) in spring and autumn 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and compared them with a matched sample of the Swiss national population ( n = 2328). Binary logistic regression models estimated prevalence with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: Adjusted prevalence of depressive symptoms in female (30.8% (95% CI: 28.6–33.0)) and male students (24.8% (95% CI: 21.7–28.1)) was substantially higher than in the matching female (10.9% (95% CI: 8.9–13.2)) and male (8.5% (6.6–11.0)) pre-pandemic national population. Depressive symptoms in the two consecutive student cohorts did not significantly differ. Conclusions: More than a quarter of Swiss university students reported depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was substantially higher as compared to the matched general population. Universities should introduce measures to support students in such times of crisis and gain an understanding of the factors impacting mental health positively or negatively and related to university structures and procedures.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Volken & Annina Zysset & Simone Amendola & Anthony Klein Swormink & Marion Huber & Agnes von Wyl & Julia Dratva, 2021. "Depressive Symptoms in Swiss University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Correlates," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-14, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:4:p:1458-:d:493086
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Azizah Alyoubi & Elizabeth J. Halstead & Zoe Zambelli & Dagmara Dimitriou, 2021. "The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Students’ Mental Health and Sleep in Saudi Arabia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-16, September.
    3. Inna Reddy Edara & Fides del Castillo & Gregory Siy Ching & Clarence Darro del Castillo, 2021. "Religiosity, Emotions, Resilience, and Wellness during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study of Taiwanese University Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-21, June.
    4. Keb Hernández-Peña & Gemma María Gea-García & Juan Pedro García-Fuentes & Luis Manuel Martínez-Aranda & Ruperto Menayo Antúnez, 2022. "Personality Trait Changes in Athletic Training Students during Their University Career: Effects of Academic Stress or COVID-19 Pandemic?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-18, December.
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