Knowledge, Precautionary, Mental Health Status During the Stabilization Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among the University Students in Guangzhou, China

Objectives: The aim of this study was to survey the part of the university students in Guangzhou, China to better understand their levels of anxiety and common mental disorders (CMD) during the stabilization stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An online survey was conducted from November 1 to 12, 2021, utilizing a convenience sampling strategy. It gathered demographic information, health status, COVID-19-related circumstances, degrees of knowledge, preventative actions, and COVID-19-related concerns. Mental health self-assessment tools were distributed online via WeChat and other social media platforms. The impact on mental health was assessed using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS), evaluating the mental health of university students in Guangzhou. The outcome indicator was the rate of positive detection. Results: The study included 2,010 respondents. Of these, 12.1% reported symptoms of anxiety, while 22.6% reported symptoms of CMD. Higher risks of mental disorders were significantly associated with being older, male, participating in online classes, attending national non-key universities, being unvaccinated, and personal or family history of COVID-19 diagnosis. Additional risk factors included nearby confirmed COVID-19 cases, COVID-19 related worries, and lower levels of COVID-19 knowledge and precautionary measures (all odds ratios [OR] > 1.20, p < 0.05).