Student mental health under conditions of online university classes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic—quantitative and qualitative findings

Abstract

Background: Students are also considered particularly vulnerable to mental stress and illness during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Objectives: In the present study, a quantitative inventory of the mental health of students at the University of Applied Sciences (“Hochschule für Gesundheit Bochum”) was conducted. In addition, their subjective experience of online classes in the winter semester 2020/2021 was surveyed in the course of a qualitative study. Methods: Within the framework of an online survey, well-being (WHO-5) and possible presence of depressive disorders (PHQ-9) of 435 students at the “Hochschule für Gesundheit Bochum” (Germany) were surveyed in March 2021 using validated instruments. Furthermore, students of the university were interviewed about their experiences with online courses. Results and conclusion: Compared to the general population, the well-being of the respondents was below average and an above average percentage of respondents (26.9%) had a reasonable suspicion of depression. The results from the qualitative research showed a predominantly negative assessment of the students’ experience with regard to online courses. In particular, a lack of social contacts and difficulties in the digital implementation of courses gave rise to this impression. Above all, the data pointed out the considerable importance of universities and studying with regard to the mental health of students. Thus, there is a need for action, especially in terms of understanding oneself as an important actor with regard to triggering students’ mental stress, on the one hand, and as a place for health-promoting interventions, on the other. Consideration of both perspectives offers various starting points for health promotion and health management in universities.