Mental Health Risks & Patterns Among On-Campus Resident Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study examined the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic on the mental health and well-being of college students residing in a rural community. Eligible students reported on their mental health statuses, coping strategies, distresses, demographics, and original items to capture students’ experiences. <strong>Participants: </strong>Participants were 372 undergraduate and graduate student's living in residence halls or on-campus housing enrolled in a public university between January and March 2021.<strong> Methods: </strong>Univariate and bivariate statistical analyses were utilized. Open-text responses about navigating mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic are summarized.<strong> Results: </strong>Students who identified as LGBTQ+ (<em>p</em>p=0.0022) scored significantly higher in depressive symptoms, while year in school, race, or ethnicity did not appear to play a role in overall mental health status. <strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study can be used to help enhance current mental health services offered on-campus, especially for students who face higher burden of mental health risks.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Health Sciences

Year dc:date.available

2021

Author dc:creator

• Writer, Brooke

Contributors dc:contributor

• Tishra Beeson
• Amie Wojtyna
• Casey Mace-Firebaugh

• mental health
• COVID-19
• college students
• Community Health and Preventive Medicine
• Public Health
• Public Health Education and Promotion

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/etd/1513

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.cwu.edu:etd-2538