Association Between Online Self-Directed Learning Ability and Negative Emotions Among College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study in Anhui Province, East China

Background: This study investigated the correlation between depression, anxiety, and stress among college students engaged in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and self-directed learning (SDL) ability, which could provide a scientific basis for college students’ mental health education. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 5,558 students from two universities in Anhui province, East China. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and Self-directed Learning Ability Scale were used to conduct an online questionnaire survey. Results: A total of 35.15%, 36.32%, and 17.24% of college students reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. Males and non-medical students were at higher risks to suffer from depression, anxiety, and stress. In adjusted model, compared with Q1 of self-management ability, the OR of the Q2, Q3, and Q4 were as follows: 0.635(0.531-0.759), 0.504(0.415-0.611), and 0.312(0.248-0.392) for depression; 0.639(0.535-0.764), 0.653(0.540-0.789), and 0.421(0.338-0.525) for anxiety; 0.649(0.523-0.805), 0.579(0.457-0.733), and 0.482(0.364-0.637) for stress. For information capability, decrease in risk was even more pronounced: Q2 (0.654, 0.540-0.794), Q3 (0.560, 0.454-0.690), and Q4 (0.233,0.181-0.301) for depression; Q2 (0.781, 0.646-0.945), Q3 (0.616, 0.501-0.757), and Q4 (0.276, 0.216-0.353) for anxiety; Q2 (0.444, 0.357-0.553), Q3 (0.454, 0.357-0.578), and Q4 (0.272, 0.202-0.368) for stress. Compared with the Q2 group of cooperation learning ability, cooperation learning ability quartiles were positively associated with depression (Q1:1.382, 95%CI: 1.138-1.678), anxiety (Q4:1.260, 95%CI:1.008-1.576), and stress (Q1:2.002, 95%CI:1.583-2.532; Q3:1.600, 95%CI:1.252-2.044; Q4:1.674, 95%CI:1.243-2.255). Conclusions: The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among college students were high for those studying online at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among non-medical students and males. SDL ability was negatively associated with college students’ negative emotions during this period of online learning.