Objectives: The present study aimed at analyzing the prevalence of depressive symptoms in a group of learning young adults, as well as the social support as a predictor of depression in late adolescence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: An online national survey of young adults attending schools was conducted. The semi-structured questionnaire, including a section on sociodemographic data, stressors, needs and sources of support, as well as brief version of the Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale, was distributed to young Poles. The final sample consisted of 1,500 students aged 18-23. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the relationships between support needs and sources and depressive symptoms.
Results: The support needs that are most commonly reported by young adults are support from loved ones (family, friends) (n = 843; 56.2%) and teachers (e.g., care, appreciation) (n = 603; 40.2%). Fifty-six per cent of Polish young adults are experiencing significant depressive symptoms (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.82-13.96). Young adults with no social support had higher KADS score than participants reporting some form of support (b = 1.794; 95% BCa CI = 0.659, 2.947). Participants receiving support from mother, both parents and siblings had a lower severity of depressive symptoms, while young people receiving support from father had more severe symptoms.
Conclusions: This study provides initial findings in terms of depressive symptoms and support needs of young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is imperative for mental health services, communities and schools to provide the necessary support to young adults.
Keywords: COVID-19; depression; young adults.