Student adaptation to college and coping in relation to adjustment during COVID-19: A machine learning approach

Factors that influence happiness of nursing students according to COVID-19 infection status

BACKGROUND

Happiness is a cognitive and emotional evaluation of one's life, and the upward approach affects satisfaction and happiness throughout life. Because nursing students must experience medical settings closely related to COVID-19 infection through clinical practice, they are vulnerable to exposure to infection and academic stress, and are also sensitive to personal life satisfaction and happiness. In this study, Korean nursing students who experienced the COVID-19 pandemic during the COVID-19 endemic era were divided into nursing students infected with COVID-19 and non-infected nursing students. By identifying the effects of college life adaptation, leisure satisfaction from club activities, and family health on happiness, which are individual sub-factors of happiness, we intend to provide basic data for the development of intervention programs for promoting their happiness.

METHODS

Data were collected from October 4, 2023 to November 15, 2023. The subjects were 343 students enrolled in five nursing schools in four major cities (D, G, K, and Y) in Korea. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients.

RESULTS

For COVID+ students, happiness was significantly affected by adaptation to campus life and family strengths. This model had r2 = 0.401; i.e., it explained 40.1% of the variability in happiness. For COVID0 students, happiness was significantly affected by adaptation to campus life and subjective health status, with r2 = 0.346.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate the necessity of developing a happiness-promotion program for nursing students.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic performance: a comparative analysis of face-to face and online assessment

Introduction

Survey studies yield mixed results on the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic performance, with limited direct evidence available.

Methodology

Using the academic platform from the Italian university system, a large-scale archival study involving 30,731 students and 829 examiners encompassing a total of 246,416 exams (oral tests only) to scrutinize the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the likelihood of passing exams was conducted. Examination data were collected both in face-to-face and online formats during the pandemic. In the pre-pandemic period, only face-to-face data were accessible.

Results

In face-to-face examination, we observed a lower probability of passing exams during the pandemic as opposed to pre-pandemic periods. Notably, during the pandemic we found an increased chance of passing exams conducted through online platforms compared to face-to-face assessments.

Discussion and conclusions

These findings provide the first direct evidence of an adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic performance. Furthermore, the results align with prior survey studies underscoring that using telematics platforms to evaluate students' performance increases the probability of exam success. This research significantly contributes to ongoing efforts aimed to comprehend how lockdowns and the widespread use of online platforms impact academic assessment processes.

Who makes a better university adjustment wingman: Parents or friends?

The first year of university is one of the most difficult times in a student's life due to numerous changes that occur. This cross-sectional study explores the concept of parental and peer attachment, which has been researched for its ability to predict students' success in higher education. Yet, less research has investigated the mechanisms underpinning the relationship between attachment and university adjustment among first-year students. Hence, the aim of this study was to examine the impact of parent and peer attachment on first-year university students, and understand how these attachments can facilitate university adjustment through identity exploration. This investigation is underpinned by Bowlby and Ainsworth's attachment theory and Arnett's emerging adulthood theory. Data were collected from 568 first-year students at a public university in Sabah, Malaysia, via adapted questionnaires. Structural equation modelling was employed using SmartPLS Software 3.0 to analyse the data. The study found that identity exploration mediates the relationship between parental trust, peer communication, and university adjustment. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for professionals working with emerging adult clients, especially those in higher education institutions, aiming to enhance the adjustment level among first-year students.

Asian American University Students' Adjustment, Coping, and Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 outbreak caused global disruptions in all aspects of life. Social distancing regulations were enforced in an attempt to halt virus spread. Universities across the country closed for in-person instruction and activities, transitioning to remote learning. University students faced unprecedented challenges and stressors, especially Asian American students due to COVID-19-associated xenophobic attitudes, harassment, and assault against people of Asian complexions. The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences, coping, stress, and adjustment of Asian American students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondary analyses were conducted on the survey responses of 207 participants (n = 103 Asian American university students, n = 104 non-Asian American students) from a larger-scale study, which focused on adaptation to the university, perceived stress, ways of coping, and COVID-19-specific factors. A series of independent samples t tests and regression analyses showed significant relationships between some university adjustment factors, ways of coping methods, and race with perceived stress and COVID-19 factors. Implications, limitations, and ideas for future directions in research are discussed.