THE IMPACT OF PERSONALITY TRAITS AND STUDY MODE ON MENTAL HEALTH AND STIMULANT USE AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased feelings of insecurity and anxiety for the health of oneself and those of one's loved ones, as well as for the future, which has led to an increased level of stress. This has resulted in a tendency to use alcohol and drugs. Studies show that such behaviors are triggered both by external and internal factors. Therefore, the study has looked for interrelations between personality traits, mental state, and learning mode (online versus hybrid) and the frequency of stimulants and tranquilizers consumption in the last 6-12 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Material/ Methods: The study involved 113 university students aged 19-34. Due to pandemic-related limitations, 51.3% of students took online courses, while 48.7% were involved in hybrid learning. The participants were all asked to complete an online questionnaire that included 17 questions regarding mental health, drug and alcohol use. Additionally, the TIPI questionnaire was used to assess personality traits. Results: The study found that online learning as well as feelings of loneliness and emptiness resulted in increased use of alcohol, antidepressants and sleeping pills. On the other hand, personality traits such as extraversion, agreeableness and emotional stability helped to limit the use of this type of stimulants. Conclusions: Online learners more often reported deterioration in their mental state, related to difficulties in adapting to pandemic-related conditions. This group was also more likely to use sedatives, sleeping pills, and antidepressants, with a significant difference in means, compared to hybrid students. In contrast, hybrid learners frequently reported a sense of the loss of meaning as well as worrying about the fate of loved ones, thinking back to a situation no longer under their control, and difficulties in making decisions. At the same time, most respondents of this group reported a positive vision of their future and a high sense of responsibility.