Mental health during COVID-19 in Austrian adolescents

In previous studies, we examined the mental health of the general Austrian population several times. The current project aims to re-examine mental health, especially in the group of adolescents (pupils from 14 years onwards), as previous studies on representative population samples have shown that young people in particular are more likely to suffer from psychological symptoms as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. An "observational study" or questionnaire survey is to be implemented to examine the mental health of young people in Austria in times of COVID-19. Pupils from 14 years onwards are invited to participate in the study via a link on the department homepage (www.donau-uni.ac.at/psymed). Using the REDCap tool hosted by Danube University adolescents fill in questions after they have read the data protection declaration and actively given their consent (informed consent). In addition to socidemographic questions, questions are asked about physical activity, alcohol, cigarette, cannabis consumption, self-harming behavior, psychological well-being, anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, sleep disorders and eating disorders. A comparison with data collected before the COVID-19 pandemic enables psychological stress factors to be mapped in adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic.