Gender differences in depressive symptoms of first-year university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: Results from the COVID-19 German Student Well-being Study (C19 GSWS)

Abstract

Background: Depressive symptoms are prevalent among university students, with female students being more often affected than males. Prior research indicates an increase in the prevalence of depressive symptoms in first-year students. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have exacerbated this trend. Therefore, the present study investigated whether gender differences of depressive symptoms of first-year students persisted during the COVID-19 pandemic and whether there was a difference in depressive symptoms between first-year and advanced students. Methods: Gender-specific depressive symptoms of first-year and advanced students were assessed using the PHQ-2 (Patient Health Questionnaire‑2) and differences by gender were examined. Results: In all, 30% of first-year students reported depressive symptoms. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher among female (32%) than among male first-year students (25%). However, neither statistically gender-specific differences among first-year students nor (gender-specific) differences between first-year and advanced students were found. Conclusion: The results are in line with previous findings suggesting no differences by gender and study stage among students affected by depressive symptoms. Nevertheless, considering the high prevalence rates, early interventions at study entry and the adaptation of study conditions are important for supporting mental health of students.