Laburpena
Background and objectives: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the young popula-
tion has been suffering from an accumulation of psychological symptoms in northern Spain. The
main objectives of this study were (1) to assess whether psychological symptoms persisted after
one year and a half of the COVID-19 pandemic in northern Spain sample of young people, and (2)
to analyze whether pandemic-specific variables (having a chronic illness, living with a person
who has a chronic illness, having been infected with COVID-19, having a close person who has
died or believing that people are respecting the measures imposed) are related to psychological
symptomatology.
Methods: Symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression were measured using the Depression and
Stress Anxiety Scale-21 (DASS-21). An ad hoc online questionnaire was used to collect socio-
demographical information related to chronic illnesses of the participants, living with a chroni-
cally ill person, contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19, having people close to them
who have died of COVID-19, and their perception of whether or not people respect the health
measures.
Results: Young people have suffered higher stress, anxiety, and depression levels than at the
beginning of the pandemic.
Conclusions: The present study highlights the importance of addressing young people’s mental
health, and ensure that future adults emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic in a psychologically
strong state.