Citation

Supke M, Hahlweg K, Kelani K, Muschalla B, Schulz W. J. Am. Coll. Health 2022; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2022.2119398

PMID

36125795

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the state of mental health, partnerships, and sexual activity of German university students after the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants and methods: In June and July 2021, 928 students (23.6 years; 63.5% female) from four universities in Germany participated in an online survey that assessed depressive and anxiety symptoms as well as data on partnerships and sexuality.

RESULTS: Of the students, 56.4% were above the cutoff for clinically relevant depressive symptoms and 35.7% were above the cutoff for clinically relevant anxiety symptoms. Female gender, higher academic-related stress, lower financial resources, higher strain due to COVID-19, and more loneliness were associated with more severe symptoms. A quarter of the students each reported an improvement or deterioration in their partnerships.

CONCLUSIONS: Student mental health appears to be worse compared to pre-pandemic and first wave data. It should be examined whether symptoms decrease when universities reopen.

Language: en

Keywords

Germany; mental health; university; COVID-19 pandemic; students