Perception of Academic Impact in Latin American University Students based on the Fear of the Outbreak of a Large-scale War: Cross-sectional Survey

Introduction. The military conflict between Ukraine and Russia is causing great concern, as it could potentially escalate into a larger scale war. This has once again put students’ academic activities at risk. Objective. To determine the perceived academic impact based on the fear of a large-scale war among university students in Latin America. Method. A cross-sectional, analytical, and multicenter study was conducted in seven Latin American countries, surveying 1,455 university students. Perceived academic impact was assessed through a categorized questionnaire and analyzed in relation to socio-educational variables, anxiety, depression, and stress, measured using the validated DASS-21 scale. Results. Multivariate analysis revealed that the perception of significant academic impact was higher among those fearing a large-scale war (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.25–1.46; P < .001) and among students with severe or very severe anxiety (aPR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.12–1.40; P < .001). Conversely, male students (aPR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.74–0.89; P < .001) and those residing in Paraguay, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Mexico reported a lower perception of impact. Conclusion. There was a greater perception of academic impact among those who perceived the potential for a global conflict, as well as among those with anxiety, women, and according to the country of residence.