@article{ref1,
title="Loneliness and depression among female university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 2020",
journal="International journal of public health",
year="2022",
author="Alateeq, Deemah and Aljabri, Alhanouf and Aldogiam, Ghada and Alajmi, Haya and Alsoqaih, Hussah and Alfadhly, Rawan and Alshahrani, Raneem",
volume="67",
number="",
pages="e1604885-e1604885",
abstract="OBJECTIVES: Quarantine-related loneliness has impacted university students during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aims to evaluate loneliness among female university students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during the pandemic and to investigate its correlation with depression. <br><br>METHODS: A sample of 753 female students was collected during the first COVID-19 summer vacation outbreak through a cross-sectional survey that consisted of two parts: 1) Sociodemographic characteristics and COVID-19 related questions; 2) The eight-item UCLA Loneliness Scale (ULS-8) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). <br><br>RESULTS: Most participants were between 18 and 22 years old (75.2%) and were studying at humanities college (61.50%). Loneliness and depression were reported among 63.3% and 41.1% of female students, respectively, and the correlation between them was significantly positive (beta = 0.419, p < 0.001). Having a previous history of a psychiatric condition and families with insufficient monthly income were the main associated factors with high levels of loneliness and depression. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Female university students experienced loneliness and depression under quarantine during the first COVID-19 summer vacation outbreak. Psychosocial intervention for the vulnerable groups is essential, as are longitudinal studies.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1661-8556",
doi="10.3389/ijph.2022.1604885",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2022.1604885"
}