Understanding Mental Health of College Students During the Initial COVID-19 Lockdown in Iran

Pandemics and subsequent lockdowns can profoundly impact the mental well-being of college students. This study aimed to assess the extent of mental health challenges among college students during the initial COVID-19 lockdown in Iran, while also identifying associated factors.

Conducted as an online cross-sectional study, data were gathered during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Iran (between March 21, 2020, and April 21, 2020). A total of 330 college students participated in an online survey, addressing questions across two parts. The first part encompassed demographic information such as age, gender, marital status, residency status, field of study, academic year, history of COVID-19 infection, presence of COVID-19-infected relatives, and adherence to a regular study schedule. In the second part, students completed the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28). Descriptive and linear regression analyses were employed for data analysis.

Among participants, 38.6% reported probable somatic symptoms, 41.8% reported probable anxiety symptoms and sleep disturbances, 91% indicated potential issues with social functioning, and 23.9% reported probable depressive symptoms. Overall, 57.9% experienced potential psychological distress. Notably, adherence to a regular study routine (β = -0.396) emerged as a negative predictor for potential psychological distress, whereas having COVID-19-infected loved ones (β = 0.159) was identified as a positive predictor.

 The prevalence of probable somatic symptoms, anxiety, sleep problems, social functioning issues, depressive symptoms, and overall psychological distress was notably high among college students during the initial COVID-19 lockdown. However, maintaining a consistent study schedule, being married, and older age were associated with lower levels of potential psychological distress. Additionally, having loved ones infected with COVID-19 emerged as a risk factor for probable mental health challenges.