Original Research Article
Prevalence and determinants of mental health issues among university students during COVID-19 pandemic in Oman: An Online Cross-sectional Study
M. Mazharul Islam1*, Ronald Wesonga1, Iman Al Hasani1 and Afra Al Manei2
1Department of Statistics, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat Oman
2Department of Planning and Statistics, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat Oman
* Corresponding Author E-mail: mmazhar.islam(at)yahoo.com, mislam(at)squ.edu.om
M. Mazharul Islam |
Ronald Wesonga |
Iman Al Hasani |
Afra Al Manei |
Article Number: irjpeh.22.006 | Pages: 43-54 | Vol.9 (2), April 2022 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.15739/irjpeh.22.006
Received: January 24, 2022 Accepted: March 12, 2022 Published: April 15, 2022
Abstract
Students have to cope with many social, economic, developmental, and above all academic requirements, making them increasingly vulnerable to mental stress, anxiety, and depression. The emergence of COVID-19 pandemic adds a new dimension to their mental health issues. The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence and predictors of mental health issues of the university students in Oman during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data come from a cross-sectional online survey among the students of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) in Oman. A self-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Symptoms of mental health issues were measured using the shorter version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21(DASS-21). The survey covered 1,951 respondents. Both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used for data analysis. The study documents a high prevalence of mild to severe level of depression (66.3%), anxiety (69.2%), stress (71%), and frequent mental distress (30%) symptoms among the university students in Oman. Younger age, female, students of recent cohorts, undergraduate students, single marital status, college of study appeared as significant predictors of mental health problems among the students. For improving the mental health and well-being of the students, the SQU authority should provide feasible psychological support to the students, with particular attention to the identified sub-group of students.
Keywords:
Mental Health, frequent mental distress, students, anxiety, stress, Oman
How to Cite this Article
MM Islam, Wesonga R, Hasani IA Manei AA (2022). Prevalence and determinants of mental health issues among university students during COVID-19 pandemic in Oman: An Online Cross-sectional Study.Int. Res. J. Pub. Environ. Health 9(2):43-54.
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