Well-Being and General Health of University Students during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 Process

Abstract

Aim: This study was to describe the levels of psychosocial well-being and general health of international students during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus pandemic.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 155 international students during the early period of the pandemic through social media applications with using online forms consisted of General Health Questionnaire-(GHQ-28) and WHO-5 well-being index.

Results: The results showed that international students experienced psychological distress. The students who had difficulties providing their individual and fundamental requirements were more likely higher GHQ-28 scores (P < 0.05). It was found that there was a significant decrease in alcohol consumption of the students. The students were mainly indicated not to prefer to return to their home countries before commencing travel restrictions.

Conclusions: Raising awareness of international students with providing robust information about outbreak precautions has been crucial to manage unpredictable emergency.