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The Inequitable Psychological Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Post-Secondary Students with Preexisting Health Conditions: A Longitudinal Study

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Inequitable Psychological Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Post-Secondary Students with Preexisting Health Conditions: A Longitudinal Study
Language: English
Authors: Sarah Kuburi (ORCID 0000-0001-7816-0643), Chloe A. Hamza, Antonio Lorenzo, Altea Kthupi, Shaza A. Fadel, France Gagnon
Source: Journal of American College Health. 2025 73(4):1780-1786.
Availability: Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 7
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: COVID-19, Pandemics, College Students, Mental Health, Depression (Psychology), Anxiety, Stress Variables, Foreign Countries, Chronic Illness, Diseases
Geographic Terms: Canada
DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2024.2435955
ISSN: 0744-8481
1940-3208
Abstract: Objective: Evidence suggests young adults in post-secondary school experienced increased distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, but students' experiences likely varied. Effects may have also changed over time as students adapted. This study examined the mental health of students with and without preexisting health conditions at two points during the pandemic (winter 2020/2021 and spring/summer 2021). Methods: Participants (N = 1465) completed a baseline and follow-up questionnaire assessing their health history, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, stress, and COVID-19-related worry and perceived vulnerability of severe infection. Results: At both time points, students with preexisting health conditions reported greater distress than those without preexisting health conditions. Stress increased from time 1 to time 2 for all students, and participants with preexisting health conditions significantly increased in their COVID-19 perceived vulnerability of severe infection over time. Conclusions: Findings highlight the need for additional and ongoing mental health supports for vulnerable students throughout the pandemic.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1472985
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:Objective: Evidence suggests young adults in post-secondary school experienced increased distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, but students' experiences likely varied. Effects may have also changed over time as students adapted. This study examined the mental health of students with and without preexisting health conditions at two points during the pandemic (winter 2020/2021 and spring/summer 2021). Methods: Participants (N = 1465) completed a baseline and follow-up questionnaire assessing their health history, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, stress, and COVID-19-related worry and perceived vulnerability of severe infection. Results: At both time points, students with preexisting health conditions reported greater distress than those without preexisting health conditions. Stress increased from time 1 to time 2 for all students, and participants with preexisting health conditions significantly increased in their COVID-19 perceived vulnerability of severe infection over time. Conclusions: Findings highlight the need for additional and ongoing mental health supports for vulnerable students throughout the pandemic.
ISSN:0744-8481
1940-3208
DOI:10.1080/07448481.2024.2435955