Research on the mental health of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic-A case study of universities in Nanjing.

The prevalence of anxiety among college students in Nanjing during COVID-19 campus lockdowns was 15.7%, with scores significantly exceeding national norms.

• Anxiety was measured using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS)
• Sample consisted of 772 valid responses from university students in Nanjing
• Scores significantly exceeded national norms
• Data was collected during campus lockdown periods implemented in response to recurring COVID-19 outbreaks

The prevalence of depression among college students in Nanjing during COVID-19 campus lockdowns was 23.3%, with scores significantly exceeding national norms.

• Depression was measured using the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS)
• Sample consisted of 772 valid responses from university students in Nanjing
• Scores significantly exceeded national norms
• Depression prevalence (23.3%) was notably higher than anxiety prevalence (15.7%)

Significant differences in anxiety and depression levels were observed across different academic majors, with humanities students reporting the highest levels of depression and medical students reporting the lowest.

• Majors were compared using SAS and SDS scores
• Humanities students had the highest depression levels among all major groups
• Medical students had the lowest depression levels among all major groups
• Significant differences in both anxiety and depression were found across major categories

Anxiety and depression levels were positively correlated with academic year, meaning higher-year students reported greater anxiety and depression.

• Significant differences in mental health outcomes were observed across academic years
• Both anxiety (SAS) and depression (SDS) scores increased with advancing academic year
• The positive correlation suggests cumulative stressors over the course of university study, compounded by the pandemic

Anxiety and depression were negatively correlated with family functioning scores, meaning students with better family functioning reported lower anxiety and depression.

• Family functioning was assessed using the Family APGAR scale
• Higher Family APGAR scores, indicating better family functioning, were associated with lower anxiety and depression
• Significant differences in mental health outcomes were observed across different family functioning backgrounds
• The negative correlation suggests that stronger family support may be protective against pandemic-related psychological distress