This is a preprint, a preliminary version of a manuscript that has not completed peer review at a journal. Research Square does not conduct peer review prior to posting preprints. The posting of a preprint on this server should not be interpreted as an endorsement of its validity or suitability for dissemination as established information or for guiding clinical practice.
Research article
The Influence of Illness Perception, Anxiety and Depression Disorders on Students Mental Health during COVID-19 Outbreak in Pakistan: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey
Muhammad Aqeel
Foundation University, Department of Psychology, Defense Avenue, Phase-I, D.H.A., Islamabad
Corresponding Author
License:
This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License. Read Full License
Background: Since the emergence of a coronavirus disease (2019-nCoV) in December 2019, the whole world is in a state of chaos. Isolation strategy with quarantine is a useful model in controlling transmission and rapid spread. As a result, people remained at homes and disrupted their outside daily activities. It led to the closure of educational institutes, which is a source of many students to cope with numerous personal and familial issues. This study focuses on exploring the relationships and potential mediational pathways between mental health problems, illness perception, anxiety, and depression disorders.
Method: The study incorporated snowball sampling techniques through a cross-sectional, web-based survey and recruited 500 students from different public and private universities from twin cities, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad from March 23 to April 15, 2020, during the coronavirus outbreak lockdown. The study used four instruments, Beck Depression Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire, and The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale for assessing depression, anxiety, illness perception, and mental health disorders.
Results: The findings indicated normal (43.2%) mild (20.5%), moderate (13.6%), and severe (22.7%) level of anxiety prevalence in students. Results specified a normal (65.9%), mild (9.10%), moderate (9.12%), and severe (15.90%) depression prevalence, and findings stipulated that anxiety disorder prevalence was higher than the depression disorder. The correlational results specified a negative and significant relationship between mental health, illness perception, anxiety, and depression symptoms. The multiple regression analysis stated that anxiety and depression disorders mediated the relationship between mental health and present illness perception. The perception of illness exhibited a relation to depression and anxiety disorders.
Conclusion: The study proposed a model to address mental health problems during the lockdown. The (2019-nCoV) illness perception developed mental disorders, including anxiety and depression, which has declined individuals' mental health. There is an urgent need for ongoing clinical examination and management to address psychological disorders, and findings suggest assessing mental health to combatting the pandemic worldwide. Findings recommend developing strategies to promote mental healthcare facilities during COVID-19 wide-ranging disasters. These results highlight the impending importance of devising strategies to treat mental health problems.
Keywords
Mental health, Coronavirus-disease (COVID-19), Anxiety disorder, Illness perception, Depressive disorder
Figure 1
Farwa Safdar malik
commented on 02 June, 2020
A hot topic and a remarkable study. Worth Reading!
Amna hafeez
commented on 02 June, 2020
Writing about students mental health is the need of the hour as it is actually effected during this Pandemic, variables are discussed differently, great work Mr. Akeel and others!
Ammar Ahmed
ORCiDcommented on 02 June, 2020
This topic gives an insight to what students are experiencing during COVID-19 pandemic, indeed a good effort by the authors.
Adil Ali
commented on 02 June, 2020
Insightful study. Thanks for your wonderful contribution to literature!
Sadia Subhan
commented on 02 June, 2020
A much needed study that explores the woes of students in these trying times. A wonderful attempt to highlight the mental health issues and the importance of developing coping strategies in masses. Good work
shahid
commented on 02 June, 2020
A much needed topic of research given the dire situation of mental health in Pakistan. More such studies will be helpful to inform the mental health practitioners.
Akram Riaz
commented on 02 June, 2020
It is really a wonderful effort in this pandemic period of Coronavirus.
Anam.Qasim
commented on 02 June, 2020
This is a unique research and Great effort by the author. Interesting study 👍
Sheeraz Akram
commented on 02 June, 2020
Great Work by author according to need of time. Keep it up.
Madiha Naseem
commented on 02 June, 2020
Great effort to highlight the importance of mental health.
Ayesha Habib
commented on 02 June, 2020
Worth Reading! Need of time and the words of importance at this crucial moment. In fact, it provides an empty box for further study in the same domain too. Mental and physical strategies can be provided to the students according to the circumstances and practical implementation can even improvise the health of students in both ways.
Hajira Baig
commented on 03 June, 2020
One of the great research which is a need of this hour. Excellent job done by the authors. I will suggest the authorities to address psychological problems as soon as possible because as cases of COVID-19 are increasing, psychological distress is also increasing.
Shahbaz ali
commented on 03 June, 2020
Thank you so much for highlighting these problems.
Sadia malik
commented on 03 June, 2020
Great work
Bakht Zada
commented on 03 June, 2020
Indeed it is the time for scientific research work in the field of Psychology to assess, diagnose, treat and prevent psychological disorders during this pendamic. Great job and great efforts done by the researcher Mr. Aqeel and his research team. This approach also motivates a new research student like me. This approach enlightened me to conduct research in the respective field. Many thanks for your scientific knowledge and expertise
Saira Saddique
commented on 24 June, 2020
Great work 👌 Keep it up
Samman Daniyal
commented on 24 June, 2020
Tremendous! Contribution no doubt.
Wania khan
commented on 24 June, 2020
MasaAllah MasaAllah you are doing good job man 👍well done keep it up..
Amal chudary
commented on 24 June, 2020
Great effort👍
Hadia
commented on 24 June, 2020
A must needed research, students mental health is often ignored or not taken seriously. Such researches are required in order to understand the issues properly. Great work and needs to be highlighted.
Fizza Ahmed
commented on 24 June, 2020
A great topic for study... Really looking forward to see more similar researches.
Maria Mumtaz
commented on 24 June, 2020
MashaAllah good work.... May u have much much more beyond ur imaginations n thoughts.
ayesha saeed
commented on 25 June, 2020
Indeed a great contribution.
Reshmail
commented on 25 June, 2020
Great work👌 Such more researches are required to highlight today's mental health!
Amman moatar
commented on 25 June, 2020
Great work! Happy to see work on student mental health .......!
Menahil Sajid
commented on 25 June, 2020
Good work👍🏻
Fareha
commented on 25 June, 2020
Outstanding work👍
Hajira Bibi
commented on 25 June, 2020
Very relevant and helpful study in this current situation...
Affifa ishtiaq
commented on 25 June, 2020
Good work, Such researches are related to current situation.
Fizza Salahuddin
commented on 25 June, 2020
Good work. Such an interesting topic
Muhammad Abdullah Khan
commented on 25 June, 2020
Excellent work !
Riaqa Mubeen
commented on 12 July, 2020
Excellent study. It is is suitable research in the current situation of COVID-19 pandemic.
Shaher Bano
commented on 12 July, 2020
It is an interesting study. I am glad to read this good work.
Jaffar Aman
commented on 12 July, 2020
I am glad to read this innovative study. Good luck.
adi khan
commented on 18 August, 2020
I appreciate your concern about mental health during this lock-down which is increase day by day. I think you raise some important points in your written and yes i agree now recommended developing authorities should promote mental healthcare facilities.
2 comments flagged for moderation
If you posted a comment and think it was mistakenly removed, please contact customer support at [email protected].
Badges
Prescreen
This manuscript passed our Prescreen assessment
Complete author information
Appropriate declaration statements
Potential risks to human health
Prescreen
History
CURRENT STATUS: Posted
Version 1
Posted 01 Jun, 2020
Community comments: 35
Metrics
Comments: 35
PDF Downloads: ...
HTML Views: ...
Learn more about our company.
This is a preprint. It has not completed peer review.
Research article
The Influence of Illness Perception, Anxiety and Depression Disorders on Students Mental Health during COVID-19 Outbreak in Pakistan: A Web-Based Cross-Sectional Survey
Muhammad Aqeel
Foundation University, Department of Psychology, Defense Avenue, Phase-I, D.H.A., Islamabad
Corresponding Author
Badges
Prescreen
This manuscript passed our Prescreen assessment
Complete author information
Appropriate declaration statements
Potential risks to human health
Prescreen
History
CURRENT STATUS: Posted
Version 1
Posted 01 Jun, 2020
Community comments: 35
Metrics
Comments: 35
PDF Downloads: ...
HTML Views: ...
License:
This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License. Read Full License
Background: Since the emergence of a coronavirus disease (2019-nCoV) in December 2019, the whole world is in a state of chaos. Isolation strategy with quarantine is a useful model in controlling transmission and rapid spread. As a result, people remained at homes and disrupted their outside daily activities. It led to the closure of educational institutes, which is a source of many students to cope with numerous personal and familial issues. This study focuses on exploring the relationships and potential mediational pathways between mental health problems, illness perception, anxiety, and depression disorders.
Method: The study incorporated snowball sampling techniques through a cross-sectional, web-based survey and recruited 500 students from different public and private universities from twin cities, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad from March 23 to April 15, 2020, during the coronavirus outbreak lockdown. The study used four instruments, Beck Depression Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire, and The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale for assessing depression, anxiety, illness perception, and mental health disorders.
Results: The findings indicated normal (43.2%) mild (20.5%), moderate (13.6%), and severe (22.7%) level of anxiety prevalence in students. Results specified a normal (65.9%), mild (9.10%), moderate (9.12%), and severe (15.90%) depression prevalence, and findings stipulated that anxiety disorder prevalence was higher than the depression disorder. The correlational results specified a negative and significant relationship between mental health, illness perception, anxiety, and depression symptoms. The multiple regression analysis stated that anxiety and depression disorders mediated the relationship between mental health and present illness perception. The perception of illness exhibited a relation to depression and anxiety disorders.
Conclusion: The study proposed a model to address mental health problems during the lockdown. The (2019-nCoV) illness perception developed mental disorders, including anxiety and depression, which has declined individuals' mental health. There is an urgent need for ongoing clinical examination and management to address psychological disorders, and findings suggest assessing mental health to combatting the pandemic worldwide. Findings recommend developing strategies to promote mental healthcare facilities during COVID-19 wide-ranging disasters. These results highlight the impending importance of devising strategies to treat mental health problems.
Figure 1
Farwa Safdar malik
commented on 02 June, 2020
A hot topic and a remarkable study. Worth Reading!
Amna hafeez
commented on 02 June, 2020
Writing about students mental health is the need of the hour as it is actually effected during this Pandemic, variables are discussed differently, great work Mr. Akeel and others!
Ammar Ahmed
ORCiDcommented on 02 June, 2020
This topic gives an insight to what students are experiencing during COVID-19 pandemic, indeed a good effort by the authors.
Adil Ali
commented on 02 June, 2020
Insightful study. Thanks for your wonderful contribution to literature!
Sadia Subhan
commented on 02 June, 2020
A much needed study that explores the woes of students in these trying times. A wonderful attempt to highlight the mental health issues and the importance of developing coping strategies in masses. Good work
shahid
commented on 02 June, 2020
A much needed topic of research given the dire situation of mental health in Pakistan. More such studies will be helpful to inform the mental health practitioners.
Akram Riaz
commented on 02 June, 2020
It is really a wonderful effort in this pandemic period of Coronavirus.
Anam.Qasim
commented on 02 June, 2020
This is a unique research and Great effort by the author. Interesting study 👍
Sheeraz Akram
commented on 02 June, 2020
Great Work by author according to need of time. Keep it up.
Madiha Naseem
commented on 02 June, 2020
Great effort to highlight the importance of mental health.
Ayesha Habib
commented on 02 June, 2020
Worth Reading! Need of time and the words of importance at this crucial moment. In fact, it provides an empty box for further study in the same domain too. Mental and physical strategies can be provided to the students according to the circumstances and practical implementation can even improvise the health of students in both ways.
Hajira Baig
commented on 03 June, 2020
One of the great research which is a need of this hour. Excellent job done by the authors. I will suggest the authorities to address psychological problems as soon as possible because as cases of COVID-19 are increasing, psychological distress is also increasing.
Shahbaz ali
commented on 03 June, 2020
Thank you so much for highlighting these problems.
Sadia malik
commented on 03 June, 2020
Great work
Bakht Zada
commented on 03 June, 2020
Indeed it is the time for scientific research work in the field of Psychology to assess, diagnose, treat and prevent psychological disorders during this pendamic. Great job and great efforts done by the researcher Mr. Aqeel and his research team. This approach also motivates a new research student like me. This approach enlightened me to conduct research in the respective field. Many thanks for your scientific knowledge and expertise
Saira Saddique
commented on 24 June, 2020
Great work 👌 Keep it up
Samman Daniyal
commented on 24 June, 2020
Tremendous! Contribution no doubt.
Wania khan
commented on 24 June, 2020
MasaAllah MasaAllah you are doing good job man 👍well done keep it up..
Amal chudary
commented on 24 June, 2020
Great effort👍
Hadia
commented on 24 June, 2020
A must needed research, students mental health is often ignored or not taken seriously. Such researches are required in order to understand the issues properly. Great work and needs to be highlighted.
Fizza Ahmed
commented on 24 June, 2020
A great topic for study... Really looking forward to see more similar researches.
Maria Mumtaz
commented on 24 June, 2020
MashaAllah good work.... May u have much much more beyond ur imaginations n thoughts.
ayesha saeed
commented on 25 June, 2020
Indeed a great contribution.
Reshmail
commented on 25 June, 2020
Great work👌 Such more researches are required to highlight today's mental health!
Amman moatar
commented on 25 June, 2020
Great work! Happy to see work on student mental health .......!
Menahil Sajid
commented on 25 June, 2020
Good work👍🏻
Fareha
commented on 25 June, 2020
Outstanding work👍
Hajira Bibi
commented on 25 June, 2020
Very relevant and helpful study in this current situation...
Affifa ishtiaq
commented on 25 June, 2020
Good work, Such researches are related to current situation.
Fizza Salahuddin
commented on 25 June, 2020
Good work. Such an interesting topic
Muhammad Abdullah Khan
commented on 25 June, 2020
Excellent work !
Riaqa Mubeen
commented on 12 July, 2020
Excellent study. It is is suitable research in the current situation of COVID-19 pandemic.
Shaher Bano
commented on 12 July, 2020
It is an interesting study. I am glad to read this good work.
Jaffar Aman
commented on 12 July, 2020
I am glad to read this innovative study. Good luck.
adi khan
commented on 18 August, 2020
I appreciate your concern about mental health during this lock-down which is increase day by day. I think you raise some important points in your written and yes i agree now recommended developing authorities should promote mental healthcare facilities.