COVID-19 Induced academic challenges, social support and depression among Makerere University students

Abstract

The study was conducted at Makerere University in Kawempe division, Buganda sub region of central Uganda in Kampala district. It aimed at examining relationships between COVID-19 induced academic challenges, social support and depression among Makerere university students. The study adopted a correlational research design and the sample comprised of 200 (97 female and 103 male) students. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) and the following were the results; there was a positive relationship between COVID 19 induced academic challenges and depression which implied that as the challenges increased there was a corresponding increase in depression, which meant that students with more challenges were most likely to be depressed. There was also a negative relationship between social support and depression which suggest that as social support increased depression reduced meaning students who had adequate social support were less likely to be depressed. This recommended that since the new mode of learning for students adjusted from physical to online learning, students were required to be equipped with electronic gadgets like computers, smart phones, internet data to attend online lectures and download reading materials.