How did slovak students perceive the COVID-19 pandemic: Insights from one of the least vaccinated EU countries
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.University students in Slovakia experienced psychological impacts from COVID-19 lockdowns. Their perceptions varied, highlighting a need for improved public health communication strategies regarding vaccination and disease.
Area Of Science
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background
- COVID-19 significantly impacted global populations, with university students facing unique psychological challenges due to lockdowns and restricted social/educational activities.
- Slovakia, a low-vaccination EU country, provides a specific context for examining student experiences during the pandemic.
- The psychological toll on students, despite lower mortality rates, remains an under-researched area.
Purpose Of The Study
- To explore the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on university students in Slovakia.
- To identify prevailing themes and perceptions regarding COVID-19 and vaccination among this demographic.
- To categorize student attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines to inform future communication strategies.
Main Methods
- Eight focus groups were conducted with 51 university students (45 female, 6 male, mean age 23.67 years) in November 2021.
- Reflexive thematic analysis was employed to analyze the qualitative data gathered from the focus groups.
- Participants were categorized based on their stance on COVID-19 vaccines: accepting, hesitant, or rejecting.
Main Results
- Initial perceptions of COVID-19 ranged from unreal to exaggerated, with some students noting secondary benefits.
- Key themes identified included conspiracy theories, resignation, frustration, and adaptation to the disease.
- Distinct attitudinal groups emerged: vaccine-accepting, vaccine-hesitant, and vaccine-rejecting students.
Conclusions
- University students' experiences with COVID-19 were multifaceted, encompassing psychological distress and varied perceptions of the disease and vaccines.
- Understanding these diverse themes and vaccine stances is crucial for developing effective public health communication.
- Future strategies should address student-specific concerns to improve engagement with health guidelines and vaccination efforts.
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