Abstract

University students have been faced with challenges, including COVID-19 public stigma, which results in increased stress and depression. Few studies have assessed stress, depression, and public stigma of COVID-19 after the pandemic. This paper investigated stress, depression, and public stigma of COVID-19 among Thai University students. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire to assess stress, depression, and public stigma resulting from COVID-19 among Thai university students between 15 and 30 August 2022. The questionnaire was developed by the Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand. Public stigma was measured by the COVID-19 public stigma scale. The effects of public COVID-19 stigma on stress and depression were analyzed using multivariable multi-level logistic regression. A total of 2, 422 students completed the questionnaire. After multivariable analysis adjustment, students who experienced COVID-19 public stigma showed increased stress (AOR = 1.53; 95% CI [1.27–1.84]) and depression levels (AOR = 1.34; 95% CI [1.01–1.79]). Those who lived with high-risk COVID-19 individuals showed significant risk factors for stress, depression, and public stigma of COVID-19, while income presented the reverse effect. Those vaccinated with over two doses showed significantly reduced chances of depression. The COVID-19 public stigma plays a vital role in stress and depression levels among Thai university students. To mitigate stress and depression, an evaluation of public stigma is needed even after the pandemic. Further cohort studies are required to verify long-term results.