Mental Health Among Malaysian University Students Amidst Lockdown

Abstract

Covid-19 has caused world-shaking adversity around the globe. The pandemic has not only become a global health threat and inflicted morbidity status but equally been detrimental to mental health of human civilization. In order to encompass and rein the transmission of the virus, Malaysia including other countries around the globe enforced a nationwide lockdown. The current research aims to explore psychological distress among university students residing in Malaysia during the lockdown. 300 university students from local universities both private and public were asked to complete a questionnaire. The questions were centered on dealing with symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress coupled with experiences engaging in an online learning process. The results indicated that Covid-19 outbreak has increased students’ levels of stress and anxiety. This is more prevalent in both male and female students who obtained a lower GPA score. Whilst home environment in the presence of their family were seen to support students to feel safe and less anxious, it did not however contribute to coping and managing their academic performance effectively. Staying connected with friends was seen to have helped students manage their academic endeavors better. As the universities have opted to continue with remote learning and it remains uncertain when face to face learning would recommence policymakers and practitioners should be guided by mental health professionals to support students appropriately and meaningfully.