Depressive symptoms in higher education students during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. An examination of the association with various social risk factors across multiple high- and middle-income countries

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100936
• Publication Date: 2021-10-01T06:58:36Z
• Authors: S. Van de Velde; V. Buffel; C. van der Heijde; S. Çoksan; P. Bracke; T. Abel; H. Busse; H. Zeeb; F. Rabiee-khan; T. Stathopoulou; G. Van Hal; J. Ladner; M. Tavolacci; R. Tholen; E. Wouters
• Keywords: Pandemic; Stressor; Disadvantaged

Higher-education students face substantial risks for developing depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic or experiencing exacerbated pre-existing symptoms. This study uses data from International Student Well-Being Study, which collected through a non-representative convenience sample in 125 higher-education institutions (HEI) across 26 high- and middle-income countries (N: 20,103) first wave of pandemic. It describes prevalence students. We find cross-national variation symptoms, with lowest mean levels established Nordic France, while highest were found Turkey, South Africa, Spain USA. Elevated risk was female students, fewer social support resources more disadvantaged socioeconomic position, migrant background. related stressors, such as reduced contact, increased financial insecurity, academic stress explained relatively larger proportion variance compared to non-COVID-19 stressors. finding shows that not itself, but rather secondary effects relate students' mental health. Our results enable HEIs be better equipped target groups are particularly at