Prevalence and Predictors of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Symptoms among Jordanian University Students Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. University students have been particularly affected by these psychological consequences due to the pandemic and its accompanying precautions. Purpose: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among Jordanian university students amid COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Data was collected through an anonymous online survey from Jordanian university students during the period from February 2022 to May 2022. The survey included a self-reported questionnaire that is composed of sociodemographic variables and the Arabic version of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Results: The mean total scores for depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were 18.91, 18.04, and 20.71, respectively, indicating the presence of these psychological issues among university students during the pandemic. Psychological problems, parents being diagnosed with mental illness, living arrangements, and academic year explained 25.6% of the variation in depression symptoms. Academic year, living arrangements, specialization, GPA, and gender accounted for 25.9% of the variation in anxiety symptoms. Parents being diagnosed with mental illness, specialization, marital status, and GPA explained 22.3% of the variation in stress symptoms. Conclusion: The findings of this study have significant implications for healthcare practice, policy development, and community engagement. Implications for Nursing: Healthcare providers, including nurses, can utilize this information to develop targeted interventions tailored to address the specific mental-health needs of university students in Jordan. Policymakers can advocate for the implementation of mental-health support services within university settings, while community organizations can collaborate with educational institutions to promote mentalhealth awareness and provide accessible resources for students. By addressing the mentalhealth challenges identified in this study, stakeholders can contribute to fostering a supportive and resilient campus environment conducive to student success and well-being. Keywords: Depression, Anxiety, Stress, COVID-19, University students, Jordan