Influence of self-efficiency beliefs on the health and well-being of university students in COVID-19

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze general self-efficacy beliefs in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic and their correlation with psychological well-being and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Method: Cross-sectional study, carried out with nursing, medicine and psychology students from a higher education institution in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The sample consisted of 329 students and data collection took place through a questionnaire and scales, from August to December 2020. Mann-Whitney test and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used for analysis of the variables. Results: Participants' self-efficacy was median (34.3±7.5). Higher self-efficacy scores were correlated with better psychological well-being (p<0.001; r= -0.582) and absence of anxiety (p<0.001) and depressive (p<0.001) symptoms. Conclusion: High self-efficacy beliefs were associated with better mental health outcomes. Strengthening self-efficacy in universities can help improve students' health behaviors and prevent mental illness.