Depressive effects of compulsory preventive isolation associated with the Covid-19 pandemic on teachers and students of a public university in Colombia

Abstract

Objective: To determine the depressive effects caused by preventive isolation by the Covid-19 pandemic on university students and teachers. Methods: Quantitative approach at the descriptive-correlational level. Beck’s depression inventory was applied to a sample of 100 teachers and 394 students of a public university in Colombia. Results: There were no significant differences between teachers and students in terms of the levels of affectation, but there were differences with respect to gender, with a greater incidence in men; likewise, it was identified that people between 16 and 35 years old are located in the levels of moderate and severe depression. Marital status was determined to be more prevalent in minimal depression, as opposed to widows who are concentrated in severe depression Conclusion: For the people surveyed, there was some level of affectation, which becomes a background of the possible effects of compulsory preventive isolation. The results of the study are relevant for the generation of intervention programs in university welfare that mitigate the effect of this situation of social abnormality. Since the sample is not probabilistic, no inferences can be made, however, the results reflect the existence of affectations in a considerable group of people that cannot be delegitimized.