Depression of university students in Ho Chi Minh City after being infected with COVID 19

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the current depressive status of students after COVID-19 to identify the problem. A survey using the PHQ-9 scale was conducted on 843 students, including 508 students who had been infected with COVID-19, at six universities in Ho Chi Minh City. Research results show that among students who have been infected with COVID-19, signs of depression (from mild to very severe) are pretty high at 76.0%. Among them, the rates of relatively severe and severe depression were 11.4% and 6.3%, respectively. The rate of moderate depression is 21.1% and mild depression is 37.2%. There are differences in mental health between groups of students in different years of study, as well as between those with and without the infection. The results have practical significance in providing appropriate and timely solutions to support students after the pandemic.