Dataset Information

Quality of Life and Depressive Symptoms Among Peruvian University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To determine the factors associated with quality of life and depressive symptoms in Peruvian university students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Multicentre study in 1,634 students recruited by convenience sampling. The quality of life (QoL) was assessed with the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions at three levels (EQ-5D-3L) and depressive symptoms with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). To assess factors associated with QoL and depressive symptoms, linear regressions and fitted regressions were used, with robust coefficients of variance information (β).

Results

A 345 (21.1%) reported problems in performing daily activities, 544 (33.3%) reported pain and discomfort, 772 (47.2%) were moderately/very anxious or depressed. Furthermore, 207 (12.7%) had moderate-severe and severe depressive symptoms. Men reported better QoL than women (β: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.1, 5.4; p = 0.004) and fewer depressive symptoms (β: -0.7; 95% CI: -1.3, -0.2; p = 0.011). Ayacucho's residents had more depressive symptoms than Ancash's residents (β: 0.8; 95% CI: 0.1, 1.5; p = 0.022) and Piura's residents had fewer depressive symptoms than Ancash's residents (β: -1.195% CI: -1.8, -0.3, p = 0.005). Students who left home during quarantine reported more depressive symptoms (β: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.2, 1.2, p = 0.006).

Conclusion

Problems performing daily activities, pain and discomfort, as well as mild to severe depressive symptoms were found in more than three-quarters of the sample. Authorities could consider depression care to improve quality of life in regions where high rates of infection occurred during the pandemic.

SUBMITTER: Figueroa-Quinones J

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8904923 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Quality of Life and Depressive Symptoms Among Peruvian University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Figueroa-Quiñones Joel J Cjuno Julio J Machay-Pak Daniel D Ipanaqué-Zapata Miguel M

Frontiers in psychology 20220223

<h4>Objective</h4>To determine the factors associated with quality of life and depressive symptoms in Peruvian university students during the COVID-19 pandemic.<h4>Methods</h4>Multicentre study in 1,634 students recruited by convenience sampling. The quality of life (QoL) was assessed with the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions at three levels (EQ-5D-3L) and depressive symptoms with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). To assess factors associated with QoL and depressive symptoms, line ...[more]

PMID: 35282184

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Project description:BackgroundPopulation health and well-being in Latin America, the current epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been severely affected during the past semester. Despite the growing evidence about the link between the pandemic, its control measures, and mental health worldwide, there is still no regional evidence of the potential mental health impact. We describe the prevalence and distribution of depressive symptoms across demographic and socioeconomic risk factors in the Peruvian population amidst a national lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsCross-sectional study conducted during the community transmission phase and national lockdown in Peru (May 4th-16th, 2020). We recorded 64,493 responses from adult Peruvian residents through an opt-in online questionnaire. All analyses were weighted using raking based on proportions of sociodemographic variables from the last Peruvian census in 2017. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was calculated using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score of 10 or more. We identified associated demographic and socioeconomic factors by prior mental health diagnosis. Sensitivity analysis considered an alternative cut-off point for depressive symptoms of PHQ-9 ≥ 14.ResultsA total of 57,446 participants were included in the analytical sample. A third of the participants (n = 23,526, unweighted) showed depressive symptoms in the 2 weeks prior to the study. Participants who reported a previous mental health diagnosis doubled the sample prevalence of depressive symptoms (59, 95%CI 56.7, 61.4%) of those without a prior diagnosis. Psychosocial and functioning reactions were largely more prevalent among females and young adults. A dose-response relationship was found between household income and depressive symptoms across previous mental health diagnosis strata, being as low as 32% less in the wealthiest than the most impoverished group (PR: 0.68, 95%CI 0.58,0.79). Other critical factors associated with a higher burden of depressive symptoms were lower education level, single, unemployed, and chronic comorbidity.ConclusionsAn increased burden of depressive symptoms and psychosocial reactions has emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic in Peru compared to previous years. The mental health burden disproportionately affects women, the younger population, and those with low income and education. As the country eases the social distancing measures, it is crucial to use local evidence to adjust public health policies and mental health services to the renewed population needs.

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Dataset Information

Quality of Life and Depressive Symptoms Among Peruvian University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Publications

Quality of Life and Depressive Symptoms Among Peruvian University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

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