The Psychological Impact Of The COVID-19 Pandemic On Syrian Refugee Students, Compared To The Jordanian Students In Jordanian Universities

Abstract

Anxiety and depression are predominant mental disorders in youth. A disease outbreak like Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) may exacerbate the current prevalence of these disorders. This study evaluates the level of anxiety and depression of Syrian refugee students, compared to the Jordanian students in the Jordanian universities during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional, descriptive design was conducted in the first week of April 2021. The data collection form has consisted of questions for obtaining demographic data, GAD-7 for anxiety, and PHQ-9 for depression.  Responses were received from 9512 students who completed the online survey demonstrated a high prevalence of anxiety and depression of students. The prevalence of GAD-7) score of ≥10) showed an incidence of 52.40% and 50.70% in Syrian refugee students, compared to the Jordanian students, respectively. In addition, the prevalence of PHQ-) 9score of ≥10) showed incidence 49.40% and 58.20% in Syrian refugee students, compared to the Jordanian students, respectively. This study also reports the trend towards anxiety and depression prevalence in students depending on gender, place of residence, steady family income, living with parents, the field of study, infected with COVID-19 previously, and having relative or acquaintance got COVID-19.  The current study indicates that both Syrian refugees and Jordanian students need to adopt measures to recognize, avoid, and deal with mental health disorders among students during the COVID-19 pandemic.