IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jijerp/v19y2022i13p7631-d844993.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Exploring the Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 Social Restrictions on International University Students: A Qualitative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Amani Al-Oraibi

    (School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
    Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
    These authors contributed equally to this work as co-first authors.)

  • Lauren Fothergill

    (Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4AG, UK
    These authors contributed equally to this work as co-first authors.)

  • Mehmet Yildirim

    (School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2HA, UK)

  • Holly Knight

    (School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK)

  • Sophie Carlisle

    (School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK)

  • Mórna O’Connor

    (School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2HA, UK)

  • Lydia Briggs

    (School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2HA, UK)

  • Joanne R. Morling

    (School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
    NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK)

  • Jessica Corner

    (University Executive Board, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK)

  • Jonathan K. Ball

    (School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
    Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK)

  • Chris Denning

    (School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
    Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK)

  • Kavita Vedhara

    (School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK)

  • Holly Blake

    (School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2HA, UK
    NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK)

Abstract

The global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on the mental well-being of university students, but little attention has been given to international students, who may have a unique experience and perspective. The aim of this study was to explore the views of international students and university staff towards COVID-19 restrictions, self-isolation, their well-being, and support needs, through eight online focus groups with international students ( n = 29) and semi-structured interviews with university staff ( n = 17) at a higher education institution in England. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach, revealing three key themes and six subthemes: (1) practical, academic, and psychological challenges faced during self-isolation and the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) coping strategies to self-isolation and life during the pandemic; and (3) views on further support needed for international students. International students faced practical, academic, and psychological challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly relating to the rapid transition to online learning and the impact of social restrictions on integration with peers and well-being. Online social connections with peers, family, or new acquaintances reduced feelings of isolation and encouraged involvement in university life. Despite raising mental health concerns, most international students did not access mental health support services. Staff related this to perceived stigma around mental health in certain cultural groups. In conclusion, international students experienced specific practical and emotional challenges during the pandemic, and are at risk of mental ill-health, but may not actively seek out support from university services. Proactive and personalised approaches to student support will be important for positive student experiences and the retention of students who are studying abroad in the UK higher education system.

Suggested Citation

  • Amani Al-Oraibi & Lauren Fothergill & Mehmet Yildirim & Holly Knight & Sophie Carlisle & Mórna O’Connor & Lydia Briggs & Joanne R. Morling & Jessica Corner & Jonathan K. Ball & Chris Denning & Kavita , 2022. "Exploring the Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 Social Restrictions on International University Students: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-19, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:13:p:7631-:d:844993
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/13/7631/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/13/7631/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Holly Blake & Holly Knight & Ru Jia & Jessica Corner & Joanne R. Morling & Chris Denning & Jonathan K. Ball & Kirsty Bolton & Grazziela Figueredo & David E. Morris & Patrick Tighe & Armando Mendez Vil, 2021. "Students’ Views towards Sars-Cov-2 Mass Asymptomatic Testing, Social Distancing and Self-Isolation in a University Setting during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-19, April.
    2. Aleksander Aristovnik & Damijana Keržič & Dejan Ravšelj & Nina Tomaževič & Lan Umek, 2020. "Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Life of Higher Education Students: A Global Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-34, October.
    3. Holly Blake & Jessica Corner & Cecilia Cirelli & Juliet Hassard & Lydia Briggs & Janet M. Daly & Malcolm Bennett & Joseph G. Chappell & Lucy Fairclough & C. Patrick McClure & Alexander Tarr & Patrick , 2020. "Perceptions and Experiences of the University of Nottingham Pilot SARS-CoV-2 Asymptomatic Testing Service: A Mixed-Methods Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(1), pages 1-28, December.
    4. Yao Sun & Shiang-Yi Lin & Kevin Kien Hoa Chung, 2020. "University Students’ Perceived Peer Support and Experienced Depressive Symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Emotional Well-Being," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-13, December.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Robert Tholen & Koen Ponnet & Guido Van Hal & Sara De Bruyn & Veerle Buffel & Sarah Van de Velde & Piet Bracke & Edwin Wouters, 2022. "Substance Use among Belgian Higher Education Students before and during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-13, April.
    2. Silvia Mariela Méndez-Prado & Ariel Flores Ulloa, 2022. "The Impact Analysis of Psychological Issues and Pandemic-Related Variables on Ecuadorian University Students during COVID-19," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-23, October.
    3. Nadia Nandlall & Lisa D. Hawke & Em Hayes & Karleigh Darnay & Mardi Daley & Jacqueline Relihan & Joanna Henderson, 2022. "Learning Through a Pandemic: Youth Experiences With Remote Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(3), pages 21582440221, September.
    4. Tabea Bork-Hüffer & Vanessa Kulcar & Ferdinand Brielmair & Andrea Markl & Daniel Marian Immer & Barbara Juen & Maria Hildegard Walter & Katja Kaufmann, 2021. "University Students’ Perception, Evaluation, and Spaces of Distance Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Austria: What Can We Learn for Post-Pandemic Educational Futures?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-25, July.
    5. Nikolaos P. Rachaniotis, 2022. "Evaluating the COVID-19 Containment Protocol in Greek Universities for the Academic Year 2021–2022," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-9, November.
    6. Natasha Li & Sarah R. Martin & Theodore W. Heyming & Chloe Knudsen-Robbins & Terence Sanger & Zeev N. Kain, 2022. "Recurrent SARS-CoV-2 Serology Testing and Pandemic Anxiety: A Study of Pediatric Healthcare Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-9, August.
    7. Yiu, Cho Yin & Ng, Kam K.H. & Yu, Simon C.M. & Yu, Chun Wah, 2022. "Sustaining aviation workforce after the pandemic: Evidence from Hong Kong aviation students toward skills, specialised training, and career prospects through a mixed-method approach," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 179-192.
    8. Sun, Xiaoqian & Wandelt, Sebastian & Zhang, Anming, 2021. "Technological and educational challenges towards pandemic-resilient aviation," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 114(C), pages 104-115.
    9. Laura A. Geer & Rachel Radigan & Guilherme de Lima Bruneli & Lucas Sampaio Leite & Rosalie Barreto Belian, 2021. "COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study of Healthcare Students’ Perceptions of Life during the Pandemic in the United States and Brazil," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-12, September.
    10. Sook-Fun Fong & Rui-Ying Loh & Sang-Long Choi, 2022. "Marketing Strategies and Customer Satisfaction: A Study on the Higher Education Institutions in Johor," Business and Economic Research, Macrothink Institute, vol. 12(2), pages 61-83, December.
    11. Samar Yakoob Almossa & Sahar Matar Alzahrani, 2022. "Assessment practices in Saudi higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 9(1), pages 1-9, December.
    12. Shiang-Yi Lin & Kevin Kien Hoa Chung, 2021. "Risk Perception, Perception of Collective Efficacy and Sleep Quality in Chinese Adults during COVID-19 Pandemic in Hong Kong: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-12, November.
    13. Micaela Di Consiglio & Sheila Merola & Tiziana Pascucci & Cristiano Violani & Alessandro Couyoumdjian, 2021. "The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Italian University Students’ Mental Health: Changes across the Waves," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-13, September.
    14. Jian Li & Eryong Xue & Biyun Liu & Qing Han, 2024. "Impact of COVID-19 on the psychological and behavioral health of college students worldwide: a knowledge mapping approach," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-15, December.
    15. Hyeon Jo, 2024. "From Classroom to Screen: Analyzing the Mechanisms Shaping E-Learning Benefits Amidst COVID-19," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 15(3), pages 12979-13000, September.
    16. Piotr Przymuszała & Šucja Zielińska-Tomczak & Michał Kłos & Angelika Kowalska & Paulina Birula & Martyna Piszczek & Magdalena Cerbin-Koczorowska & Ryszard Marciniak, 2022. "Distance Learning and Assessment During the COVID-19 Pandemic—Perspectives of Polish Medical and Healthcare Students," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(1), pages 21582440221, March.
    17. Agnes Y. K. Lai & George O. C. Cheung & Asa C. M. Choi & Man-Ping Wang & Polly S. L. Chan & Angie H. Y. Lam & Esther W. S. Lo & Chia-Chin Lin & Tai-Hing Lam, 2022. "Mental Health, Support System, and Perceived Usefulness of Support in University Students in Hong Kong Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Method Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-18, October.
    18. Sayed Mostafa & Kathy Cousins-Cooper & Barbara Tankersley & Shea Burns & Guoqing Tang, 2022. "The impact of COVID-19 induced emergency remote instruction on students’ academic performance at an HBCU," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(3), pages 1-24, March.
    19. Hussein, Elham & Daoud, Sumaya & Alrabaiah, Hussam & Badawi, Rawand, 2020. "Exploring undergraduate students’ attitudes towards emergency online learning during COVID-19: A case from the UAE," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    20. Mahdi Mohammed Alamri, 2023. "A Model of E-Learning through Achievement Motivation and Academic Achievement among University Students in Saudi Arabia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-25, January.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:13:p:7631-:d:844993. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.