Depressive symptoms faced by non-native international medical students in China during COVID-19

This study examines depressive symptoms faced by non-native international medical students studying in China during the COVID-19 pandemic. The targeted population for this cross-sectional study included non-native medical students studying in Chinese universities. This study used convenience sampling. An online, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to international medical students studying in Chinese universities from February 2020 to June 2021. The questionnaire collected demographic data, information regarding struggles faced, and used the CES-D-10 Likert scale to assess both the challenges and depression symptoms, respectively. By analyzing the 1,207 students’ responses, the study found that students with poor Chinese language were two times more likely to suffer from depressive symptoms (OR = 2.67;value of p 0.00). Moreover, female students were found more prone (76.35%) than their male counterparts (44.96%). The study found that food adaptability, health issues, accommodation issues, and financial issues were related factors contributing to depressive symptoms among non-native international medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study tried to highlight the factors that resulted in depressive symptoms among non-native international medical students, and the findings may help diplomatic representatives take necessary actions to help their citizens during this difficult time.

Investment Behavior of Orphan and Nonorphan Investors During COVID-19 in Shanghai Stock Market.

PURPOSE: Orphaned children carry many psychological and emotional issues with them throughout their lives, which influence every decision they make, including investment decisions. A lack of self-determination and low confidence may make orphans make more risky decisions than their nonorphan counterparts. In this study, we aimed to see how this risky behavior was reflected in investment choices during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A well-structured questionnaire was distributed to 230 adult investors (130 orphans and 100 nonorphans) between January 22 and March 13, 2020. RESULTS: Orphans were found to be risk-takers during the COVID-19 pandemic, as hypothesized from their childhood history. Moreover, female investors showed more sensible (less risky) behavior than male investors when investing in fixed-income securities. Income and age showed significant inverse relationships with risk tolerance, while education showed a positive but insignificant effect. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that orphan investors enjoy taking risks and their behavior toward risk remains consistent, even in abnormal conditions, such as a global pandemic. It also suggests that their risk-taking behavior remains stable from orphanhood through to adulthood, contradicting many reports that orphans make reasonable decisions in adulthood.

Willingness of Chinese, Studying in Germany to Fly Back to China Due to Their Risk Perception About COVID-19.

PURPOSE: In this study, we aimed to examine the risk perception of Chinese students studying in Germany, which is the country fifth-most affected by COVID-19 in the world, who wish to return to China. PATIENTS AND METHODS: After controlling the COVID-19 situation in the country, China reopened the entire country, including Wuhan, which was the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. A well-structured questionnaire was sent to Chinese students through a WeChat survey, a special feature within this mobile application, similar to Google Docs. The link was sent to 2000 students studying in Germany, and we received 1232 responses. RESULTS: The study found that the majority of Chinese students are willing to come back to China, considering the current risk of COVID-19 in Germany. A higher mortality rate influences their wish to return to China. Additionally, the special family size of "One Child" in the family also a key driver of Chinese student's wish to get back home. CONCLUSION: This study provides useful information to policymakers to implement proactive measures to manage students who want to return to China, as they may be the cause of the second wave of COVID-19 in China.

Risk Perception of International Medical Students About Coronavirus (COVID-19) in China and Their Willingness to Fly Back.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the willingness of international medical students enrolled in Chinese universities to return to their home countries based on their risk perception of the recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A well-structured questionnaire was incorporated into the WeChat survey, a special feature within this mobile application, similar to Google Docs. The questionnaire was sent to 1190 international medical students across China between January 1, 2020 and May 15, 2020. A total of 897 completed questionnaires were returned, indicating a 75% response rate. RESULTS: The survey findings show that the risk perception of international medical students about COVID-19 was low because of the strong preventive measures taken by the Chinese government against COVID-19. Moreover, they were willing to stay in China until the completion of their degrees. In contrast, students who have completed their degrees were willing to return home immediately if possible. CONCLUSION: These findings are of serious concern for developing countries where they come from because their return to their home countries may cause an epidemic outbreak in those regions.