The impacts of Covid-19 lock-down on the academic performance and psycho-social well-being of the university students : a case study of Makerere University School of Psychology

Abstract

This study explored and assessed the impacts of the COVID-19 National Lock-down on Psycho-social Wellbeing and Academic Performance of students in Uganda particularly Makerere University. A structured questionnaire survey was used on undergraduate students (n = 132) and Data were analyzed using IBM-SPSS-Vn 23. A correlational survey study design was used to determine the relationship between the variables. The results shows that the respondents were single (87.1%) students mostly female (67.4%), most of which are full time students (86.4%) between the age of 18-25 (80.3%) who were not Psychologically affected in their social lives by the Lock-down restrictions. Students experienced mental illness such as depression, frustration, stress and anxiety during the lock-down. They became less physically active and spent most of their time on social media, sleeping, eating or watching movies. Meanwhile, a majority of those who studied online did not enjoy the experience and this highly affected their academic performance. The study noted an increase in sedentary activity, poor mental health and substance use over the lock-down period puts students at risk of health complications and lower their concentration at school which eventually negatively affect their academic performance and poses a potential threat to the healthcare and Education system. Further research is needed to understand; The transitional experiences of students between physical and virtual learning, and how they can be supported.