Mental health in the short- and long-term adaptation processes of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: During Covid-19, high prevalence of distress was reported among students, suggesting that they may be at higher risk than the general population of developing psychological disorders in confinement situations. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of four databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science) for articles published from January 2020 to May 2022. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. Random effects meta-analyses of the reported proportions of college students with clinically significant symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress were carried out, and between-studies heterogeneity was also analysed. Results: 73 studies (N=209.761) were included for meta-analysis. The estimated proportion of college students with clinically significant short-term symptoms was 34% for anxiety (95% CI [29%,39%]; I2=99.75%), 38% for depression (95% CI [33%,44%; I2 = 99.71%), and 54% for stress (95% CI [46%,62%]; I2 = 99.57%). The estimated proportion of college students with clinically significant long-term symptoms was 37% for anxiety (95% CI [32%,42%]; I2 = 97.92%), 31% for depression (95% CI [23%,41%]; I2 = 99.49%) and 41% for stress (95% CI [25%,59%]; I2 = 99.29%) were found. Several methodological and sociodemographic moderators accounted for heterogeneity in the observed prevalences. Limitations: The heterogeneity of study findings suggest that the results should be interpreted with caution. Conclusion: The current evidence shows that approximately one-third of college students experienced distress, further where we can infer that there was no evidence of a worsening in mental health derived from a cumulative effect during the pandemic. PROSPERO: CRD420222233036.