The Mental Health of Students During a Pandemic
The article “COVID‑19 Pandemic and its Aftermath ” researches the effect of the pandemic on the mental health outcomes of undergraduate students. The main aim of the study is to explore students’ ability to adapt to the changes due to the pandemic and research their level of mental health illnesses, especially levels of stress, depression, and anxiety.
The study’s research method is based on a survey or questionnaire that provides researchers with relevant data from undergraduate medical students (Singh et al., 2020). The research question is: “What impact does the pandemic have on mental health outcomes among undergraduate medical students?”.
The results demonstrated that more than 60% of students have deep knowledge of the medical aspects of the pandemic (Singh et al., 2020). Moreover, most of the questioned students showed excellent adaptive behavior and attitude toward conditions created by COVID-19. Nevertheless, many students stated that they have mental health issues.
For example, it was researched that more than 23% faced depression, more than 20% – had anxiety, and around 13% dealt with different types of stress (Singh et al., 2020). In addition, the appetite of the students was examined, and it was shown that around 75% had issues with appetite (Singh et al., 2020). Abnormal worries about the studying process created these results.
Lastly, students’ life quality scores ranged from 4 to 0,5 (Singh et al., 2020). For example, students who could adapt to the conditions created by the pandemic were less likely to face mental health issues, whereas their counterparts struggled with depression, anxiety, and stress. The article states that undergraduate medical students face mental health issues and difficulties related to worries about the studying process. It was recommended that the issues be addressed and the adverse effects of the pandemic reduced.
The Impact of Student’s Mental Health Problems on Their Learning
The article “The American College Health Association National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) Spring 2003 Reference Group Report” focuses on college students’ mental health status. The research is based on the survey conducted by ACHA-NCHA to define different aspects of the health of college students, especially mental health outcomes.
The survey showed that various mental health issues are presented among students, negatively influencing their academic performance (American College Health Association, 2005). The article used statistics to prove its results, and different trends, including anxiety, depression, and stress among college students, were emphasized. The report states that around 20% of students are seen to struggle with depression, but this amount indicates only the ones who were diagnosed with this mental health issue (American College Health Association, 2005).
In addition, around 15% faced suicide during the past year (American College Health Association, 2005). Moreover, it was examined that female students were more likely to face mental health issues than male ones. The research question is: “ What mental health outcomes are seen among college students, and how do they affect their academic success?”.
It was researched that mental health issue harms the academic outcomes of students. For example, students with depression were less likely to concentrate on studying, ensure excellent academic performance, and successfully pass exams (American College Health Association, 2005). This article highlights the need to address college students’ mental health issues to prevent their negative consequences on health and academic success. The report recommends prioritizing addressing these issues and establishing prevention programs on a college basis. These actions will help recognize the impact of mental health issues and enable college institutions to cope with these difficulties effectively.
Reference
American College Health Association. (2005). The American College Health Association National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) Spring 2003 Reference Group Report. Journal of American College Health, 53(5), 199-210.
B, S., Singh, H., Chaudhury, S., & Thyloth, M. (2020). COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath: Knowledge, attitude, behavior, and mental health-care needs of medical undergraduates. Industrial Psychiatry Journal, 29(1), 51. Web.