The Impact of Covid-19 on University Students’ Mental Health in Morocco

Abstract

University students are particularly vulnerable to numerous mental health issues suffering from elevated levels of depression, anxiety, fear, and stress compared to the general population. The Covid-19 pandemic has negatively affected Moroccan university students' psychological status. This study aims at investigating the impact that Covid-19 has on Moroccan university students' mental health during the lockdown period. A cross-sectional study was conducted during the three-month quarantine period (April, May, and June 2020). An online survey was used to collect data from 560 students (n= 560) from five universities in Morocco. The results show that students experienced moderate to high levels of depression and anxiety and severe levels of stress during the lockdown period. Indeed, the findings also revealed that having a relative or acquaintance infected or died and/or being afraid to be infected by Covid-19 is the main predictor in increasing the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. As university students face the risk of high levels of psychological distress particularly during these circumstances, it is of utmost importance to create monitoring services within universities to reduce the potential amplified burden that these traumatic events can have on the students.