A longitudinal comparison of college student mental health under the COVID-19 self-restraint policy in Japan.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in substantial mental health problems. In addition to the fear of infection, prevention policies that result in isolation such as lockdowns or, in Japan, "self-restraint," are associated with psychological symptoms. University students are vulnerable to emotional disorders because of the psychological challenges associated with the transition to adulthood. Therefore, we investigated changes in the mental health of university students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We used data from depression screening conducted by the University of Tsukuba, Japan, during student health examinations. Students completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and an open-ended question on stress self-coping.

SUBMITTER: Shiratori Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8830143 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature