J Am Coll Health. 2021 Dec 14:1-11. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2021.2013237. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The objective was to examine mental health of undergraduate researchers (UGRs) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
PARTICIPANTS: We surveyed 962 UGRs who were conducting research in Spring 2020 at over 100 US universities.
METHODS: We conducted an online survey in July 2020. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics and multivariable generalized estimating equations.
RESULTS: 63% reported at least mild anxiety and 73% reported at least mild depression based on GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores; 15.2% reported severe anxiety (score ≥ 15) and 23.4% reported severe depression (score ≥ 15). More COVID-19-related adverse event experiences were associated with more severe anxiety and depression, as were first-generation status, woman gender, and LGBQ status. Greater social support was protective, and significantly more so for men (vs. women) and continuing generation (vs. first generation) students.
CONCLUSION: Faculty have an important role in the mental health of their mentees. Additional interventions are needed to better support women and first-generation students.
Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at.
PMID:34905697 | DOI:10.1080/07448481.2021.2013237
