‘75pc university students suffer mental health issues in post-pandemic phases’

More than 75 per cent of students from public and private universities in Bangladesh have mental health issues due to pressure in their academic life in the post-Covid-19 phases, a survey shows.

Various reasons including session jams, difficulties in study, and depression over test results are the key factors behind mental health issues, reports bdnews24.com citing a study by Aachol Foundation published on Saturday.

The results of the group’s survey, titled ‘Impact of Academic Pressure on University Students and Their Suicidal Tendencies’, were detailed at a virtual media briefing.

A total of 1,640 students from 38 public universities, 47 private universities, madrasas and national universities took part in the survey, said Dr Abdul Wohab, a researcher and assistant professor at North South University.

At least 40 students of them, which is 2.44 per cent of the total participants, survived a suicide attempt. About 4.76 per cent of them made preparations to commit suicide but ultimately did not attempt it. At least 34.15 per cent of them had suicidal thoughts, Aachol Foundation said.

Anxiety and fear over physical and mental health impacted around 57.99 per cent of the students. Studies of around 80.79 per cent of students were affected due to depression and bipolar disorder.

Excessive addiction and dependency on tech tools like mobiles, laptops and desktops, caused a negative impact on the study of 70.73 per cent of students. The number of students suffering from sleeping disorders was 71.71 per cent, according to the Aachol Foundation.

Change in personality traits, which is considered an initial stage of a mental health condition, also affected 47.50 per cent of students.

Family pressure and expectations have impacted 55.43 per cent of students. They think their daily life is getting worse due to stress tied to these issues.

In the current post-Covid-19 scenario, university students are forced to study more during exams and have to complete the curriculum in less time in the classroom. This survey revealed that it has deeply affected the academic life of 77.01 per cent of students.

The depression tied to the lack of time between exams took a heavy toll on the mental health of 67.13 per cent of students.

Meanwhile, the confidence level of 73.84 per cent of students has fallen off because of changes made to the curriculum after a long gap over the pandemic.