Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of optometry students at a higher education institution: A case study

被引:3
作者
Simjee, Yusuf [1 ]
Mncwabe, Zothile [1 ]
Sindhrajh, Keihara [1 ]
Khan, Rabia [1 ]
Seedat, Maseeha [1 ]
Xulu, Letiwe [1 ]
Zondi, Sibahle [1 ]
Rampersad, Nishanee [1 ]
机构
[1] Univ KwaZulu Natal, Sch Hlth Sci, Discipline Optometry, Durban, South Africa
来源
AFRICAN VISION AND EYE HEALTH JOURNAL | 2022年 / 80卷 / 01期
关键词
mental health; COVID-19; student wellness; higher education institution; Depression Anxiety Stress Scale questionnaire; NORMATIVE DATA; DEPRESSION; ANXIETY; DASS-21; DIMENSIONS; OUTBREAK; WORKERS;
D O I
10.4102/aveh.v80i1.652
中图分类号
R77 [眼科学];
学科分类号
100212 ;
摘要
Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak poses serious threats to the physical and mental health of individuals worldwide. The lockdown strategy and social distancing regulations adopted in South Africa have disrupted the day-to-day life activities of all people including students. Aim: To explore the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of optometry students at a higher education institution. Setting: The study population included optometry students currently registered at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, in Durban, South Africa. Methods: The study adopted a case study research design and used an online questionnaire and follow-up interviews to collect data. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) questionnaire that assesses depression, anxiety and stress subscales was used. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The interview data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: A total of 147 participants responded to the online questionnaire and consisted of majority black people (n = 98), female (n = 114) and second year (n = 58) students. The majority of the participants had normal scores for depression (n = 97), anxiety (n = 79) and stress (n = 107). Only a few participants had scores indicating severe or extremely severe depression (n = 13), anxiety (n = 23) and stress (n = 5). Follow-up interviews were conducted with 10 participants and of these, seven reported that COVID-19 had a negative impact on their ability to concentrate and they felt anxious about examining patients. Factors such as stigma and judgment were perceived as hindrances to seeking mental health help. Conclusion: Most participants had normal scores for depression, anxiety and stress; however, some participants presented with abnormal scores. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health should be highlighted and higher education authorities should plan and provide appropriate services to improve the quality of life of affected students.
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页码:1 / 11
页数:11
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