Anxiety levels among Palestinian university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Background: The widespread of COVID-19 causes serious distress on the mental health of the students during the lockdown period. The present study aimed to identify anxiety levels among students during the COVID-19 crisis. Design and methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was carried out among university students aged 18-47 years. The 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) was used to assess anxiety symptoms. Results: Among the 1252 participants, the mean age was 28.82 (+/- 7.28) years and 72.6% were female. Based on the results, 22.0% of the participants had no symptoms of anxiety, 25.2% had mild anxiety, 29.6% moderate anxiety, and 23.2% severe anxiety. Moreover, being a female (OR =0.480, 95% CI = 0.257-0.704), younger age (OR= 0.359, 95% CI = 0.132-0.586), undergraduate level (OR= 0.493, 95% CI =0.288-0.698), and stability of monthly income (OR= 0.516, 95% CI =0.308-0.723) were found to be a protective factor against anxiety suffered by the participants. However, having a COVID-19-infected relative or acquaintance was a risk factor for anxiety (OR= 21.870, 95% CI =21.870-21.870). The results revealed that the level of anxiety symptoms was positively associated with COVID-19 related stressors such as effects on daily living (r= 0.163, p < 0.001), economic stressors (r= 0.153, p < 0.001), and educational consequences ( r=0.150, p <0.001), however, social support (r=0.472, p <0.001) was negatively associated with the anxiety. Conclusion: The psychological status of university students should be followed during times of health emergencies. It is essential to design a health program for influenced students to assist them to stay resilient throughout perilous situations.