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Worry effect for COVID-19 transmission over depression, anxiety, and satisfaction with studies in Peruvian university students
Author(s)
Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola
Castillo-Blanco, Ronald
Universidad Científica del Sur
Lingán-Huamán, Susana K.
Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola
Gálvez-Díaz, Norma del Carmen
Universidad César Vallejo
Corrales-Reyes, Ibraín Enrique
Date Issued
19 de octubre de 2023
Type
Article
Volume
8
Series/Report No.
Frontiers in Education
ISSN
2504-284X
Abstract
Introduction Concern about contracting COVID-19 has had repercussions on university students. The aim of this study was to determine its effect on depression, anxiety, and satisfaction with studies. Methods Using an explanatory cross-sectional design, 1,260 medical, nursing, and dentistry students from both public and private universities in Peru participated in this study. They were assessed using a scale for concern about contracting COVID-19, the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 , the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 (GAD-2), and a brief scale for satisfaction with their studies. Results After analyzing the data using structural equation modeling, it was found that the explanatory model had an adequate fit. It showed that concern about COVID-19 had a direct and significant effect on anxiety (β = 0.46, p < 0.001) and depression (β = 0.38, p < 0.001). However, the same effect was not evident on satisfaction with studies (β = −0.06, p = 0.068). Discussion The uncertainty about contracting COVID-19 triggered symptoms of anxiety and depression among Peruvian university students. Still, it did not affect the satisfaction students felt when their academic expectations were met.