Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Italian University Students: A Qualitative Study using Focus Group

Alessia Maria Rita Milia, Salvatore Diliberto, Arianna Di Piazza, Sonia Ingoglia

Abstract


Background: COVID-19 pandemic has been spreading worldwide causing considerable psychological stress to all people. The general lockdown, one of the most drastic provision adopted by the Government for containing the spread of contagion, could represent a very stressful event for people, especially if prolonged over time. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the experience and points of view related to COVID-19 pandemic of three groups of university students during the first lockdown and 1 year later, by using the focus group technique.
Methods: A qualitative study comprising two focus groups carried out online during the first lockdown period in Italy, in May 2020, and one focus group carried out in January 2021, at the end of the second lockdown. Online videoconferencing using Microsoft Teams platform. Sixteen Italian university students aged between 21 and 25 years.
Results: COVID-19 pandemic has created a sense of threat and stress that has surged globally at an alarming pace. Most governments have temporarily closed educational institutions to contain the spread of COVID-19, for this reason university students were confronted with new challenges.
Conclusions: This unprecedented experience of ‘home quarantine’ during the lockdown, with the uncertainty of academic and professional careers, has multifaceted impacts on the life of students.


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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.13129/2612-4033/0110-3133

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