The Impact of COVID 19 on University Staff and Students from Iberoamerica: Online Learning and Teaching Experience

Mario Jojoa, Esther Lazaro, Begonya Garcia-Zapirain, Marino J. Gonzalez and Elena Urizar
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Mario Jojoa: Engineering Faculty, Department of Computer Science, Electronics and Telecommunications University of Deusto, 48014 Bilbao, Spain
Esther Lazaro: Faculty of Health Sciences, Valencian International University, 46002 Valencia, Spain
Begonya Garcia-Zapirain: Engineering Faculty, Department of Computer Science, Electronics and Telecommunications University of Deusto, 48014 Bilbao, Spain
Marino J. Gonzalez: Unit of Public Policy, Simon Bolivar University, Caracas 89000, Venezuela
Elena Urizar: Deusto Business School Health, University of Deusto, 48014 Bilbao, Spain

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 11, 1-20

Abstract: (1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has created a great impact on mental health in society. Considering the little attention paid by scientific studies to either students or university staff during lockdown, the current study has two aims: (a) to analyze the evolution of mental health and (b) to identify predictors of educational/professional experience and online learning/teaching experience. (2) Methods: 1084 university students and 554 staff in total from four different countries (Spain, Colombia, Chile and Nicaragua) participated in the study, affiliated with nine different universities, four of them Spanish and one of which was online. We used an online survey known as LockedDown, which consists of 82 items, analyzed with classical multiple regression analyses and machine learning techniques. (3) Results: Stress level and feelings of anxiety and depression of students and staff either increased or remained over the weeks. A better online learning experience for university students was associated with the age, perception of the experience as beneficial and support of the university. (4) Conclusions: The study has shown evidence of the emotional impact and quality of life for both students and staff. For students, the evolution of feelings of anxiety and depression, as well as the support offered by the university affected the educational experience and online learning. For staff who experienced a positive professional experience, with access to services and products, the quality-of-life levels were maintained.

Keywords: COVID-19; mental health; university students; university staff; online learning (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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