Abstract:
Background: Due to Covid-19 pandemic, all universities have either postponed or cancelled
physical activities and moved rapidly into online delivery mode. It has severely affected the
mental health of undergraduates.
Objectives: To determine depression, anxiety, stress and perceived mental healthcare needs of
Sri Lankan undergraduates studying in selected countries affected by Covid-19.
.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with Sri Lankan undergraduates studying in
selected countries affected by Covid-19 from 01st of July to 31st of December 2020. Snowball
sampling technique was used. An online self-reported questionnaire was used for data
collection. Depression, anxiety and stress were assessed using Depression Anxiety & Stress
Scale (DASS 21). Perceived mental healthcare need was assessed by 4 items on a 3-point Likert
scale. Data were analyzed with ANOVA and t-test using SPSS.
Results: A total of 187 Sri Lankan undergraduates were enrolled consists of 26.7% from India,
39.6% from Russia and 33.7% from Sri Lanka. Females were 61.5%. Of 11.58% had depression
(6.32%-mild; 5.26%-moderate), 11.58% had anxiety (5.26%-mild; 3.16%-moderate; 3.16%-
severe) and 3.16% had stress (2.11%-mild; 1.05%-moderate). There was no statistically
significant difference in depression, anxiety and stress among undergraduates with reference to
gender, age, type of degree, marital status, status of living or studying country. About 47.6% of
participants thought that it would be nice to talk to someone about their worries of Covid-19;
67.4% thought that it is necessary to get mental health support if one panics in lieu of pandemic;
84.5% thought that it would be beneficial if mental health professionals help undergraduates
during Covid-19 pandemic and 74.3% suggested to obtain mental health support to
undergraduates who are highly affected by Covid-19.
Conclusions: Prevailing Covid-19 pandemic has caused considerable stress, depression and
anxiety among undergraduates. There is a need to address mental healthcare needs of
undergraduates during Covid-19 pandemic.
