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Published in: Journal of Community Health 4/2021

01-08-2021 | COVID-19 | Original Paper

COVID-Related Functional Difficulties and Concerns Among University Students During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Binational Perspective

Authors: Miriam Schiff, Larysa Zasiekina, Ruth Pat-Horenczyk, Rami Benbenishty

Published in: Journal of Community Health | Issue 4/2021

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Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a sense of threat, and stress that has surged globally at an alarming pace. University students were confronted with new challenges. This study examined university students’ functional difficulties and concerns during COVID-19 pandemic in two countries: Israel and Ukraine. Additionally, it examined the similarities and differences in prediction of COVID-related concerns in both countries. Two large samples of university students were drawn from both countries. Results showed that students’ main functional difficulties in both countries were: worries about their family health status and their learning assignments. In both countries, COVID-related functional difficulties and stress associated with exposure to the media added a significant amount of the explained variance of COVID-related concerns after controlling for background variables. In conclusion—while the level of exposure and difficulties may differ by country and context, their associations with students’ concerns seem robust. Additionally, repeated exposure to media coverage about a community threat can lead to increased anxiety.
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Metadata
Title
COVID-Related Functional Difficulties and Concerns Among University Students During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Binational Perspective
Authors
Miriam Schiff
Larysa Zasiekina
Ruth Pat-Horenczyk
Rami Benbenishty
Publication date
01-08-2021
Publisher
Springer US
Keyword
COVID-19
Published in
Journal of Community Health / Issue 4/2021
Print ISSN: 0094-5145
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3610
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-020-00930-9

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