Virtual Learning and Pervasiveness of Depression Among University Students in the UAE

The pattern of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected many aspects of students’ lives, including their physical, social, and mental well-being. This study aimed to examine the association between virtual learning and feelings of depression among a sample of university students in the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE. Using a descriptive, cross-sectional study design, quantitative data were collected from undergraduate students by means of online surveys. To assess the levels and prevalence od depression among university students, the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale was used. Our findings revealed that there were statistically significant associations between the individual characteristics and levels of depression in terms of academic level (p < .001), place of residence (p < .001), screen time during virtual learning (p = .019), and mode of course delivery in the spring semester of 2021–2022 (p = .006). Although virtual learning has become a necessary feature of all educational institutions, more attention needs to be paid to its psychological impact.