Covid-19: repercussions on the mental health of higher education students

This article analyzed the impacts of COVID-19 and social isolation on the mental health of higher education students in Ceará, Brazil. The sample consisted of 3691 higher education students who, online from June to September 2020, answered two instruments: questionnaire of the socio-demographic and situational profile in relation to the pandemic and social isolation and the Mental Health Inventory. The results showed that 21.2% had their activities canceled, with no expected return. The majority, 77.2% reported concern about the death of someone close to them due to Covid-19 infection. The overall state of mental health measured by the inventory with an average of 48.8. This result suggests that students had their mental health affected by the conditions imposed by the pandemic. It is concluded that educational institutions should promote strategies for the protection of the mental health of the student community.