Analysis of the Relationship

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 118 views

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has had a profound impact on the world since March 2020. As of November 2022, there have been over 633 million cases worldwide, with the virus attacking the respiratory system and causing fear and uncertainty that can trigger anxiety. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and the level of anxiety in students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra (USU).

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a sense of uncertainty and fear among people worldwide. The rapid spread of the virus and the high risk of exposure have exacerbated anxiety levels. Students, in particular, have been affected by the pandemic, with many experiencing anxiety and stress due to the disruption of their academic activities and the uncertainty of their future.

Methodology

This study used an analytic descriptive method with a cross-sectional approach to investigate the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and the level of anxiety in students of the Faculty of Medicine, USU. Data was collected through a questionnaire filled by students of the USU Faculty of Medicine for class 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Results

The results of this study showed that 78.4% of students experienced anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of this amount, 56.8% experienced light anxiety, 19.3% moderate anxiety, and 2.3% heavy anxiety. The remaining 21.6% did not experience anxiety.

Analysis of the Relationship

Analysis of the relationship between anxiety level and several variables, such as gender, residential status, COVID-19 history, COVID-19 history in close families/relatives, and the year of lectures, showed significant results. The P value obtained is 0.004 for gender, 0.047 for residential status, 0.045 for COVID-19 history, 0.045 for COVID-19 history in close families/relatives, and 0.469 for the lecture year. This shows that there is a relationship between the level of anxiety and gender, the status of residence, COVID-19 history, and a history of COVID-19 in close families/relatives. However, there is no significant relationship between the level of anxiety and the lecture year.

Deeper Analysis

The results of this study indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on the mental health of USU Faculty of Medicine students. The high level of anxiety experienced by students shows that the condition of the pandemic creates a great fear, uncertainty, and pressure. Factors associated with anxiety levels such as gender, residential status, COVID-19 history, and COVID-19 history in close families/relatives show that direct or indirect experience with the pandemic can increase the risk of anxiety. Students who have a history of COVID-19 or have family members infected with viruses tend to have a higher level of anxiety.

Recommendation

The results of this study are important to be understood by the university, especially the Faculty of Medicine. The university needs to pay more attention to the mental health of students, especially in the pandemic period. Some recommendations that can be applied are:

Improving Counseling Programs and Psychological Support

Increasing access to counseling services and psychological support can help students in overcoming the anxiety and stress they experience.

Holding Seminars and Workshops on Stress and Anxiety Management

Seminars and workshops can provide knowledge and strategies for students to deal with difficult situations and manage stress effectively.

Building Open and Supportive Communication

Building open and supportive communication between the university and students can create a safe and comfortable environment for students to share feelings and get the necessary assistance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of USU Faculty of Medicine students. The results of this study emphasize the need for the university to pay more attention to the mental health of students, especially in the pandemic period. By implementing recommendations such as improving counseling programs and psychological support, holding seminars and workshops on stress and anxiety management, and building open and supportive communication, the university can create a safe and supportive environment for students to overcome anxiety and stress.

Limitation

This study has some limitations. The sample size was limited to students of the USU Faculty of Medicine for class 2019, 2020, and 2021. Future studies can include a larger sample size and a more diverse population to generalize the findings.

Future Research

Future research can investigate the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of students. Additionally, studies can explore the effectiveness of different interventions in reducing anxiety and stress among students.

Implication

The findings of this study have implications for the university and the Faculty of Medicine. The university needs to prioritize the mental health of students and provide support services to help them cope with anxiety and stress. The Faculty of Medicine can also benefit from this study by implementing recommendations to improve the mental health of students.

Conclusion

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and the level of anxiety in students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra (USU).

Q: What method was used in this study?

A: This study used an analytic descriptive method with a cross-sectional approach to collect data from students of the USU Faculty of Medicine for class 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Q: What were the results of this study?

A: The results of this study showed that 78.4% of students experienced anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of this amount, 56.8% experienced light anxiety, 19.3% moderate anxiety, and 2.3% heavy anxiety. The remaining 21.6% did not experience anxiety.

Q: What factors were associated with anxiety levels in this study?

A: The factors associated with anxiety levels in this study were gender, residential status, COVID-19 history, and COVID-19 history in close families/relatives.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are that the university needs to pay more attention to the mental health of students, especially in the pandemic period. The university can implement recommendations such as improving counseling programs and psychological support, holding seminars and workshops on stress and anxiety management, and building open and supportive communication.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study are that the sample size was limited to students of the USU Faculty of Medicine for class 2019, 2020, and 2021. Future studies can include a larger sample size and a more diverse population to generalize the findings.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research can investigate the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of students. Additionally, studies can explore the effectiveness of different interventions in reducing anxiety and stress among students.

Q: What are the recommendations for the university and the Faculty of Medicine?

A: The recommendations for the university and the Faculty of Medicine are to prioritize the mental health of students and provide support services to help them cope with anxiety and stress. The Faculty of Medicine can also benefit from this study by implementing recommendations to improve the mental health of students.

Q: What are the implications for the university and the Faculty of Medicine?

A: The implications for the university and the Faculty of Medicine are that they need to take proactive steps to support the mental health of students, especially in the pandemic period. This can include providing counseling services, holding seminars and workshops on stress and anxiety management, and building open and supportive communication.

Q: What are the benefits of this study?

A: The benefits of this study are that it highlights the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of USU Faculty of Medicine students. The study provides recommendations for the university and the Faculty of Medicine to improve the mental health of students and create a safe and supportive environment for them to overcome anxiety and stress.

Q: What are the future implications of this study?

A: The future implications of this study are that it can inform policy and practice in the university and the Faculty of Medicine. The study can also inform future research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of students and the effectiveness of different interventions in reducing anxiety and stress among students.