COVID-19 ANXIETY AND STRESS SURVEY (CASS) IN HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS DUE TO CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019

Abstract

SESSION TITLE: Chest Infections Posters SESSION TYPE: Original Investigation Posters PRESENTED ON: October 18-21, 2020 PURPOSE: The covid19 crisis has rapidly become the most significant public health crisis of our times. It has particularly impacted students due to cancellation of school and having to adjust to online learning and anxiety about their future, as well as prolonged social isolation. All these factors has likely led to significant stress and anxiety. The purpose of this study was to study the prevalence and severity of covid19 associated anxiety and stress in high school (HS) students and undergraduate (UG) college students in the US during the period of the Covid19 pandemic METHODS: We created a covid19 anxiety and stress survey (CASS) by combining 2 abbreviated instruments – the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4) and the Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety (PHQ-4). We distributed the CASS survery in electronic format during the month of March/April at the peak of the covid19 pandemic, both directly, as well as through use of social media to students in HS and UG. We also collected limited information about grade level, age, gender, ethnicity and location. RESULTS: A total of 116 (72Male; 44 Female) students completed the questionnaire - Grade distribution was15 HS (Gr 9,10), 41 HS (Gr 11,12), 41 UG (Yr 1,2), & 19 UG (Yr 3,4). 56 (48.2%) had an elevated perceived stress level (PSS-4 of >8). 66 of students (56.9%) screened positive for a mood disorder depression/anxiety based on PSQ4 of >4. When we examined the subscales we found 43(37%) had anxiety (PSQ-2 for anxiety of >3) and 36 (31%) had depression (PSQ-2 for depression >3). Both HS and UG had similar levels of stress, but both overall PSQ4 as well as subscales for anxiety and depression was significantly more prevalent in college than in high school students (Mean total PSQ4 scores was 5.4 +/- 4 for UG vs 3.9 +/- 3.3 HS respectively) Strong gender influence in both PSS and PSQ was seen – mean PSS for girls and boys was 8.7 +/- 2.6 vs 7.2 +/- 2.8; p <0.05 and PSQ4 was 6.1 +/- 3.2 vs 4.2 +/- 3.8 respectively) There was a strong correlation between PSS and PSQ scores (r = 0.68) CONCLUSIONS: The Covid19 pandemic has resulted in an extremely high level of stress and mental health morbidity in both high school and especially college students. There is a high prevalence of depression and anxiety in students, and this is more pronounced in girls. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Specific screening measures and interventions to improve mental health of students especially in college is urgently warranted with a particular focus on women, due to the covid19 pandemic. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Akshar Aiyer, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Yashdeep Gill, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Iqbal Ratnani, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Shaleen Sunesara, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Salim Surani, source=Web Response