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Open Access 01-12-2021 | COVID-19 | Research

Effect of the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown on mental health among post-secondary students in the Grand Est region of France: results of the PIMS-CoV19 study

Authors: Cédric Baumann, Hélène Rousseau, Cyril Tarquinio, Martine Batt, Pascale Tarquinio, Romain Lebreuilly, Christine Sorsana, Karine Legrand, Francis Guillemin, Stéphanie Bourion-Bédès

Published in: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

The COVID-19 epidemic has sent students around the world in to lockdown. This study sought to assess the prevalence of impaired self-perceived mental health and identify associated factors among French post-secondary students during the lockdown.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among French students living in the Grand Est area in France from May 7 to 17, 2020 during the first lockdown. An online survey was used to collect sociodemographic data, learning and teaching conditions, living conditions, and exposure to COVID-19, and self-perceived mental health was assessed with mental composite score (MCS) of the SF-12.

Results

Overall, 4018 were analyzed. Most participants were female (70.7%), and the mean age was 21.7 years (SD 4.0). The mean MCS score was 44.5 (SD 17.3). Impaired mental health, defined by a MCS < 1st Quartile, was mainly associated with female sex; decreased time for learning; not having access to the outside with a garden, a terrace or a balcony; difficulties with the living situation and having someone in the home affected by the SARS-COV2 requiring hospitalization or not.

Conclusions

This study showed that living conditions during lockdown had a clear impact on the mental health of French post-secondary students. There is a need to improve prevention and to access distance education as well as an urgent need for measures to develop healthy coping strategies for students. This is significant challenge and will assist in moderating the risk for the development of further distress and mental health concerns.

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Title: Effect of the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown on mental health among post-secondary students in the Grand Est region of France: results of the PIMS-CoV19 study
Authors: Cédric Baumann
Hélène Rousseau
Cyril Tarquinio
Martine Batt
Pascale Tarquinio
Romain Lebreuilly
Christine Sorsana
Karine Legrand
Francis Guillemin
Stéphanie Bourion-Bédès
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: COVID-19
Published in: Health and Quality of Life Outcomes / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7525
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12955-021-01903-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Effect of the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown on mental health among post-secondary students in the Grand Est region of France: results of the PIMS-CoV19 study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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