Previously submitted to: JMIR Mental Health (no longer under consideration since Apr 17, 2023)
Date Submitted: Apr 15, 2023
Open Peer Review Period: Apr 10, 2023 - Apr 17, 2023
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Investigating Mental Health of College Students after China Ended Zero Covid Policy: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study in Ninigbo
ABSTRACT
Background:
The mental health of college students is a growing area of concern. Particularly for postgraduates in clinical medicine who must work and study at the same time. China's end of Zero Covid Policy has brought this vulnerable group back into the limelight.
Objective:
Our study aims to provide a timely evaluation of the mental health impact of university students following China's end of Zero Covid Policy and how postgraduate psychology in clinical medicine differs from that of other professions.
Methods:
We administered a questionnaire to 1084 students at a major public university in China in order to understand the impact of China's end of Zero Covid Policy on their psychological wellbeing. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to analyse the data.
Results:
Of the 1084 students, 233 (21.5%), 425 (39.21%) and 512 (47.23%) reported an increase in anxiety, depression and sleep disorders after China ended “Zero Covid” Policy respectively. This led to increased levels of stress, anxiety and depressive thoughts among students. Of the 90 clinical medicine postgraduates, 36 (40%), 51 (56.67%) and 61 (67.78%) reported increased anxiety, depression and sleep disorders after China ended “Zero Covid” Policy respectively. Multiple risk factors of anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances for clinical medicine postgraduates were identified, including for medical licensure, increased shift frequency, increased work hours, and increased work intensity.
Conclusions:
The abrupt termination of the long-standing Zero Covid Policy had a negative impact on university students, especially clinical medicine postgraduate. Our findings emphasize the urgent need to develop interventions and preventive strategies to address their mental health problems. Clinical Trial: ChiCTR23000686
Citation
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