A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 STRESS AND CONFINEMENT ON THE EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This quantitative study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the emotional well-being of 950 high school students in Delta State, Nigeria. This study was done after the  lockdown period, it  investigates students' attitudes, behaviours, and emotional experiences,  stress levels, emotional health, and coping mechanisms. The findings reveal that while most students believed in the existence of COVID-19, there are varying levels of doubt and uncertainty, with awareness of preventive measures but decreasing adherence over time. Students aware of COVID-19-related mortality in their community exhibited significantly lower emotional well-being, increased stress, and depression. The study highlights the importance of context-specific insights and recommends targeted interventions, including health literacy development, improved mental health support in schools, and investment in community-based mental health services.