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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
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    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.
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