Social anxiety and associated factors among graduate students under the normalization of epidemic prevention and control / 中国学校卫生

ABSTRACT

Objective@#To understand social anxiety and relevant factors among graduate students under the normalization stage of COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control.@*Methods@#Using convenience sampling method, an online questionnaire survey on graduate students from 5 universities in Jiangsu Province was conducted. Measurements used in the survey includes General Self Efficacy Scale (GSES), General Alienation Scale (GAS), Interaction Anxiousness Scale (IAS) and self made survey for basic information and household living conditions.@*Results@#The overall score of graduate students self efficacy was (2.58±0.50). Average score was (30.68±6.22) for alienation, and (47.55±8.77) for interaction anxiety, with detection rate of social anxiety being 43.96%. Increased dependence on smartphones and electronic devices ( OR=1.86, 95%CI =1.32-2.61) and high alienation score (medium level OR=2.06, 95%CI =1.45-2.92; high level OR=5.19, 95%CI =1.00-27.00) were positively correlated with social anxiety. Increased communication with friends ( OR=0.65, 95%CI =0.47-0.90 and high self efficacy (medium level OR= 0.37 , 95%CI =0.21-0.66; high level OR=0.15, 95%CI =0.08-0.30) were negatively correlated with social anxiety.@*Conclusion@#At the normalization stage of COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control, social anxiety of graduate students is one of the mental health issues which need further attention. Participation in peer support helps prevent social anxiety through developing self efficacy, alleviating individual alienation, and reducing dependence on electronic devices among graduate students.