Depression and anxiety symptoms among Slovenian tertiary students during COVID-19 pandemic

Background The COVID-19 pandemic and the preventive measures associated with it radically affected educational processes in Slovenia. Schools were suspended and teaching was shifted to home-based distance learning models, with higher education institutions carrying this out for the longest period of time. The pandemic has also had an impact on mental health, and tertiary students seem to be particularly vulnerable. Methods A cross-sectional internet survey was conducted in February and March 2021. The final sample consisted of 5999 respondents. The prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among Slovenian tertiary students was assessed using the Patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized anxiety disorder questionnaire (GAD-7). Participants with and without more pronounced depressive and anxiety symptoms were dichotomized using a cut-off value of 10 points, with higher scores indicating higher presence of symptoms and categorized into 5 severity levels according to total scale scores. Suicidal ideation was examined using 9th item of the PHQ-9. Results Data show that 55% of respondents reported having more pronounced depressive symptoms (PHQ-9≥10), with 16% reporting severe depressive symptoms. 5.1% of respondents reported having suicidal ideation more than half of the days and 5% reported having them almost every day. 51.3% of respondents reported having more pronounced anxiety symptoms (GAD -7≥10), with 30.7% reporting severe anxiety symptoms. Females reported more depressive and anxiety symptoms than males. Conclusions The results of the present study are to some extent consistent with the findings of comparable studies, but show higher proportions of depressive and anxiety symptoms with the highest severity levels. The data suggest that there is a case for tailored public health interventions that respond to the identified mental health needs of tertiary students in Slovenia. Key messages 55% of respondents reported having depressive symptoms (PHQ-9≥10), with 16% reporting severe depressive symptoms, and 10.1% reported frequent suicidal ideation. 51.3% of the respondents reported having more pronounced anxiety symptoms (GAD -7≥10), with 30.7% reporting severe anxiety symptoms.