ABSTRACT
Since the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, educational institutions have implemented measures such as school closures, raising concerns regarding the increase in psychological distress among university students. The purpose of this study is to identify factors that have influenced psychological distress among college freshmen during the COVID-19 pandemic. A questionnaire survey was conducted at the conclusion of the sixth wave of COVID-19 in Japan. Psychological distress was measured using the six-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6). Factors affecting psychological distress were calculated using regression analysis. Of the 2536 participants, 1841 (72.6%) reported having no psychological distress, while 695 (27.4%) reported having psychological distress. Factors that were identified to contribute to psychological distress were lack of sleep, weight gain or loss, worsening of interpersonal relationships, and physical symptoms and illnesses. A willingness to join an athletic club and having an environment in which it is easy to discuss worries and anxieties with others were factors that were identified to hinder psychological distress. It is necessary for universities to offer enhanced supports for physical and interpersonal activities. Additionally, it is imperative to encourage students to look after their physical health and to actively utilize university-based consultation systems.
ABSTRACT
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has decreased bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BCPR) intervention rates. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the willingness of university freshmen to provide BCPR during the COVID-19 pandemic and the predictors thereof. A cross-sectional survey of 2789 newly enrolled university students was conducted after the end of the sixth wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in Japan; predictors of willingness to provide BCPR were assessed by regression analysis. Of the 2534 participants 1525 (60.2%) were willing to intervene and provide BCPR during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hesitancy due to the anxiety that CPR intervention might result in poor prognosis was a negative predictor of willingness. In contrast, anxiety about the possibility of infection during CPR intervention did not show a negative impact. On the other hand, interest in CPR and willingness to participate in a course, confidence in CPR skills, awareness of automated external defibrillation, and knowledge of CPR during the COVID-19 pandemic, were also positive predictors. This study suggests that the barrier to willingness to intervene with BCPR during a COVID-19 pandemic is not fear of infection, but rather hesitation due to the possibility of poor prognosis from the intervention. The significance of conducting this study during the COVID-19 epidemic is great, and there is an urgent need for measures to overcome hesitation regarding BCPR.