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University students’ mental health amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Georgia

Author

Listed:
  • Ilia Nadareishvili
  • Timur Syunyakov
  • Daria Smirnova
  • Ana Sinauridze
  • Ana Tskitishvili
  • Aleksandre Tskitishvili
  • Ana Zhulina
  • Mikaella E. Patsali
  • Alexandros Manafis
  • Nikolaos K. Fountoulakis
  • Konstantinos N. Fountoulakis

Abstract

Aims: We aimed to identify the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and suicidality and identify relevant risk and protecting factors among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Georgia. Materials and methods: We conducted an anonymous online survey ( n  = 984, convenience sample by approaching all universities in Georgia and some student organizations) using valid instruments (e.g., STAI to assess anxiety, CES-D for depression, and RASS to assess suicidality). We calculated frequencies and prevalence and applied regression analysis and Chi-square tests to identify risk and protecting factors. Findings: Respondents’ mental health had been significantly affected (with a high prevalence of depression (46.7%) and anxiety (79%)) during the pandemic (which coincided with political turmoil and caused an economic crisis) in Georgia. Some of the critical factors affecting mental health were: female sex ( p  = .000), bad general health condition (anxiety p  = .001, depression p  = .004), finances (anxiety and depression p  

Suggested Citation

  • Ilia Nadareishvili & Timur Syunyakov & Daria Smirnova & Ana Sinauridze & Ana Tskitishvili & Aleksandre Tskitishvili & Ana Zhulina & Mikaella E. Patsali & Alexandros Manafis & Nikolaos K. Fountoulakis , 2022. "University students’ mental health amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in Georgia," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 68(5), pages 1036-1046, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:68:y:2022:i:5:p:1036-1046
    DOI: 10.1177/00207640221099420
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hae Ran Kim & Eun Jung Kim, 2021. "Factors Associated with Mental Health among International Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-13, October.
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