Fear and anxiety of medical sciences students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran: A web-based cross-sectional study

Since the start of the epidemic, Iran has been severely impacted by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, measuring the level of fear and anxiety in students can effectively help policymakers and educational administrators to be able to take practical actions to reduce fear and anxiety in students by using existing mechanisms. This research investigated the anxiety and fear in Iranian university students during the COVID-19 pandemic and explored the potential influential factors. Data on participants was collected using a web-based cross-sectional survey using an online questionnaire distributed via social media platforms. The Corona Disease Anxiety Scale and Fear of COVID-19 Scale measured the presence of anxiety and fear in participants. The Odds Ratio (95% CI) was calculated using logistic regression models. A total of 1,146 individuals with a mean age of 22 (SD=3.67) years participated in the study. The prevalence of anxiety among participants was 30.9%. The mean anxiety and fear of COVID-19 score among the participants was 13.71 (SD=4.51). According to this study, the adjusted odds of having psychological symptoms, physical symptoms, and total anxiety increased in subjects who were not single and Ministry of Science or Research and Technology (MSRT) students. The adjusted odds of psychological symptoms and total anxiety were also decreased in the individuals who sometimes and rarely followed COVID-19 news. Physical symptoms were reduced in some of the family members who did not have COVID-19 and in those who were not concerned about universities being opened and the adverse effects of COVID-19. University students have been significantly affected by the COVID-19 confinement. It has been suggested that universities must prioritize the mental health of their students during such challenging times.