Academic experience and depressive symptoms in universities during the Coronavirus pandemic

Abstract

Due to the coronavirus pandemic situation, adaptations in the educational and social area were required among university students. This study aims to verify the presence of depressive symptoms among university students and the experience in remote education during social distancing caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The sample was non-probabilistic, consisting of 242 university students, recruited using the SnowBall technique. A questionnaire of sociodemographic profile, another of academic experience in remote teaching and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, which assessed depressive symptoms, were applied. For data analysis, the Graphpad Prism 8.4 software was used. Students obtained scores indicative of depressive symptoms, as well as, motivation, academic performance, dedication and the feeling of well-being during classes were compromised. The need to continue studies in the area is evident, as the current scenario tends to impact the mental health and academic experience of university students.