Concerns Related to the COVID-19 in Adult Norwegians during the First Outbreak in 2020: A Qualitative Approach

The solitary and uncertain learning process: A qualitative study of nursing students' experiences in the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

When the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic broke out, the nursing students clinical practice period was abruptly interrupted by the lock down. The present study aimed to investigate the nursing students' learning experiences during the initial phase of the pandemic. A qualitative study was conducted investigating nursing students' written assignments (n = 48) of reflections according to their learning process. The qualitative data analysis revealed three main themes, namely the solitary and uncertain learning process; from collective learning process to digital devices; additional learning outcomes. The students' anxiety about the virus affected their motivation to study, but they also expressed enthusiasm and gratitude for having the opportunity to learn about the health system in a time of crisis. These results point towards the health care authorities can rely on nursing students' ability to take part and cover important emergency functions. The use of technology helped the students to achieve their learning objectives.

Students' Mental Health, Well-Being, and Loneliness during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-National Study

During the COVID-19 pandemic, much research has been devoted to assessing mental health in a variety of populations. Students in higher education appear to be particularly vulnerable to experiencing reduced mental health. The purpose of the study was to assess whether higher education students experienced poorer mental health compared to the general population and examine the factors associated with students' mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-national sample of students (n = 354) and non-students (n = 3120) participated in a survey in October/November 2020. Mental health outcomes among students and non-students were compared with independent t-tests. Multiple linear regression analysis and general linear estimation were used to assess the impact of student status on mental health outcomes while adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Students reported poorer mental health than non-students. The difference in mental health between students and non-students was bigger for participants aged 30 years or older. More social media use was associated with poorer mental health outcomes. In conclusion, students had poorer mental health than the wider population. Aspects of life as a student, beyond what can be attributed to life stage, appears to increase mental health problems.

Concerns in the Norwegian Population during the Initial Lockdown Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Although concern affects one’s welfare or happiness, few studies to date have focused on peoples’ concerns during the initial COVID-19 lockdown. The aim of the study was to explore concerns in the Norwegian populations according to gender and age, and identify which concerns were most prominent during the lockdown. A population-based cross-sectional online survey using snowball-sampling strategies was conducted, to which 4527 adults (≥18 years) responded. Questions related to concerns had response alternatives yes or no. In addition, they were asked which concern was most prominent. Nearly all the 4527 respondents (92%) reported that they were concerned: 60.9% were generally concerned about the pandemic, 83.9% were concerned about family and friends, 21.8% had financial concerns, and 25.3% expected financial loss. More women were concerned about family and friends than males, (85.2% vs. 76.2%, p < 0.001), whereas more men expected financial loss (30.4% vs. 24.4%y, p = 0.001). Younger adults (<50 years) had more financial concerns than older adults (25.9% vs. 10.5%, p < 0.001). Being concerned about family and friends was the most prominent concern and was associated with; lower age (OR 0.79), female gender (OR 1.59), and being next of kin (2.42). The most prominent concern for adults 70 years or older was being infected by COVID-19. In conclusion, women and younger individuals were most concerned. While adults under 70 years of age were most concerned about family and friends and adults 70 years or older were most concerned about being infected by COVID-19.