Effect of Pandemics on the Psychological Well-Being of University Students; A Case of Covid-19 on A Sample of Kampala International University Students in Uganda

Abstract

The study was set out to examine the effect of pandemics on the psychological well-being of university students; a case of covid-19 on a sample of Kampala International University students in Uganda. The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological well-being of Kampala International University students in Uganda.

The study design comprised a combination of descriptive research designs and both qualitative and quantitative approaches were employed. A sample size of 50 was used. Data was collected using self-administer questionnaires, interviews, and a review of related literature.

The study findings revealed, 5(10%) of the respondents strongly disagreed, 3(6%) disagreed, another proportion of the respondents 17(34%) agreed and the majority of the respondents 25(50%) strongly agreed that students completely get absorbed in whatever they’re doing. This information implied that engagement is about being completely absorbed by present work. When we are occupied in particular activities that play to our strengths, we can feel a state called flow. When we are in flow, we reach our peak and we feel less anxious this was key to maintaining a balanced psychological state during the covid-19 era. According to the study findings, 9(18%) strongly disagreed, 12(24%) disagreed, 4(8%) were not sure, 16(32%) agreed and the rest of the respondents 9(18) strongly agreed with the statement that positive relationships are a crucial part of our sense of wellbeing and happiness during lockdown. Those people who maintain strong and positive relationships are generally happier in life. 20(57.3%) of the participants were in agreement that students enforced to stay home for longer periods resulted in psychological distress 11(31.3%) were in disagreement and 4(11.4%) remained neutral. Therefore, staying home for a long period of time during the COVID-19 lockdown exacerbated psychological distress among university students such as stress, loneliness, anxiety, fear, depression, panic, and so on

The study concluded that the prevalence of COVID-19 risk perception among students on the Kampala International University campus is high, which positively translated into higher levels of compliance with COVID-19 protocols deployed on the various Kampala International University campuses.

The study recommends that comprehensive psychological support programs should be developed collaboratively in providing services to reduce psychological distress following the crisis and improve coping skills. A better understanding of the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on university students could contribute to design more effective interventions that improve mental health in this population.