Survey of Student Anxiety Levels During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: Anxiety among students in higher education has been an increasing concern due to the restrictions and changes imposed by the emergence of the pandemic – Covid-19. Objective: Our study aims to assess anxiety among college students because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We conducted questionnaire surveys with 209 students at Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, to understand the effect of a pandemic on their anxiety level because of Online Classes. The data was analyzed through the mean method. Results: Of the 209 students, 130 (62%) indicated increased anxiety due to the COVID-19 outbreak. There were more male (91/209, 42.6%) participants than female (118/209, 57.4%) participants. Multiple stressors were identified that contributed to the increased levels of confusion, anxiety, and depressive thoughts among students. This included difficulty in concentration (187/209, 89.4%), disruptions to sleeping patterns (154/209, 73.6%), uncertainty about future goals (170/209, 81.33%), and increased pressure in academics (166/209, 79.4%).