Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Quality of Life Among the University Students in Macao: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

In the present study, we aimed to assess the mental well-being and overall quality of life of university students in Macao during the COVID-19 pandemic. A web-based cross-sectional survey using the Depression, Anxiety & Stress Scales (DASS-21) and WHO-Quality of Life (WHOQOL) self-administered online questionnaire was distributed through social media platforms and email invitations to university students from various tertiary institutions in Macao. Based on data from 381 university student (50.7% female) aged 18-25 years old, the present study demonstrated that the mental health (p < 0.001) and overall quality of life (p < 0.001) of university students decreased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, female and senior students suffered more psychological pressure
and worse quality of life than their male and junior counterparts. This original study showcases that the COVID-19 pandemic severely affected the mental well-being and overall quality of life of university students in Macao. As the present study is the first of its kind,  these findings fill a gap for academic research and provide insights for the Macao higher education sector in developing policies to address psychological problems and improve quality of life of university students especially in unprecedented circumstances.