Depression, anxiety and stress in social work students during COVID-19 confinement. A comparative study of Spanish and Mexican universities

ABSTRACT

This study compares mental health problems among Social Work students at Spanish and Mexican universities during confinement due to COVID-19. A total of 1,252 undergraduate students completed an online survey, including demographic variables, related to COVID-19, perceived social support and levels of depression, anxiety and stress. Students from Spain, compared to those from Mexico, reported statistically higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Analyzing the associated risk and protective factors, differences were found between students from Spain and Mexico. Notably, social support was a significant protective factor in both countries during the COVID-19 crisis to improve their mental health levels.

KEYWORDS:

• University students
• mental health symptoms
• COVID-19
• Spain
• Mexico

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank to Miss. Graciela Jacobo, Miss. Griselda Muñoz, Dra. Olga Leticia García Rendón and Dr. Silvia Vázquez for her contribution to the access of the target population (college students) in Mexico, specifically in Sinaloa, Zacatecas and Sonora universities.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).