The impact of COVID-19 on college students from communities of color. Issue 8 (17th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Molock, Sherry Davis; Parchem, Benjamin
• Is Part Of: Journal of American college health. Volume 70:Issue 8(2022)
• Page Start: 2399
• Page End: 2405
• Publication Date: 2022-11-17
• Subjects: college students -- communities of color -- COVID-19 -- mental health; College students -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; College students -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; College students -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services -- Periodicals; 362.10883781980973
• DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1865380
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0744-8481

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on daily living, mental well-being, and experiences of racial discrimination among college students from communities of color. Participants: Sample comprised 193 ethnically diverse college students, aged 18 to 25 years ( M = 20.5 years), who were participating in virtual internships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional 16-item survey was developed as a partnership between two nonprofit organizations. The survey included both close-ended and open-ended questions assessing the impact of COVID-19. Results: The students of color reported disruptive changes in finances (54%), living situation (35%), academic performance (46%), educational plans (49%), and career goals (36%). Primary mental health challenges included stress (41%), anxiety (33%), and depression (18%). Students also noted challenges managing racial injustice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: Higher education institutions will benefit from financially and emotionally supporting students of color during the COVID-19 pandemic and growing visibility of systemic racism.