Gender differences in mental health during Covid-19 among college students in Lebanon

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the mental health of Lebanese students. Different strategies were imposed worldwide to reduce the rapid spread of the virus but these measures created extreme changes in their lifestyle and affected their education. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Lebanese students’ mental health. Another purpose was to investigate gender differences in the variables examined. The instrument used to collect data was a survey that had for aim to investigate the following: participants’ demographics, level of depression, fear of COVID-19, correlation between fear of COVID-19 and mental health, and finally gender differences in mental health and fear of COVID-19. The survey combined items from 2 scales: PHQ-9 and FCV-19S. The sample consisted of 146 males and females who resided and studied in Lebanon during the pandemic. The results were consistent with previous research and showed that the participants had symptoms of depression, ranging from mild to severe. In addition, the results of this study showed that half of the sample had a low level of fear of COVID-19. However, with regards to gender differences in mental health and fear of COVID-19 the results of this study were incompatible with previous research and revealed that there is not a statistically significant difference between men and women scores on depression and fear of COVID-19. Finally, a statistically not significant correlation between level of fear of COVID-19 and depression was found, which does not support the findings in previous research as well. Future studies are needed on larger and more representative samples for generalization of the results and for more solid conclusions.