COVID-19 Anxiety and Associated Factors among Finalist Undergraduate Science Teachers

Abstract

The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic inflicted excruciating psychological problems and elevated social concerns globally, including anxiety among university students. This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with COVID-19 anxiety among finalist undergraduate students pursuing a degree in bachelor of science with education. A cross-sectional survey utilised data from 132 undergraduate science teachers at a university of science and technology recruited by census technique. Self-report data were obtained using the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale. Descriptive and logistic regression statistics were used to analyse the data.  The prevalence of COVID-19 anxiety was found at 11.36%. Career aspects in pursuing postgraduate studies and a close person with a diagnosis of COVID-19 were independent factors associated with COVID-19 anxiety. Students with an intention to pursue postgraduate studies indicated a higher likelihood of COVID-19 anxiety (AOR=4.8, 95%CI: 1.04-21.69, p < .05). Furthermore, students that had no close person diagnosed with COVID-19 indicated a lower likelihood of COVID-19 anxiety (AOR=0.1, 95%CI: 0.02-- 0.63, p < .05). Higher COVID-19 anxiety was associated with lower future academic aspirations. Hence, knowledge of acquaintance diagnosed with COVID-19 was associated with an increased chance of developing the disease.