Participación social y salud mental: análisis antes-durante la pandemia en Estudiantes de Terapia Ocupacional (Concepción-Chile)

The implementation of virtuality as a strategy to continue teaching and training students during the pandemic resulted in a decrease in social participation. This study analyzes the perceived changes in social participation and its consequences on the mental health and academic performance of occupational therapy students in the context of virtual classes during the pandemic.The study was conducted from a qualitative perspective using a phenomenological approach. The participants were fourth-year occupational therapy students at a Chilean university who experienced both face-to-face and virtual classes during the pandemic.Results indicate that virtual classes had multiple effects on social participation, causing social isolation and negatively affecting perceptions of mental health. Symptoms reported included fear, anxiety, stress, and feelings of distress and uncertainty. Nevertheless, the informants developed strategies to mitigate the effects of academic stress, confinement, and family coexistence.