Comparative study on the predictive factors of anxiety among Quebec university students during the pandemic (COVID-19)

Objective In this study, we present the results of a comparative research carried out on three cohorts of university students in the context of a pandemic. Several research indicate that the anxiety level of populations has increased significantly. Method In this article, we present the results of a comparative study of three cohorts study conducted on 1674 Quebec students. Participants were recruited at three separate time points, in the summer of 2020 (cohort 1; N = 398), in the fall of 2020 (cohort 2; N = 621) and in the winter of 2021 (cohort 3; N = 655). Anxiety was measured using Beck's anxiety inventory and several sociodemographic variables were tested. Results Results from cohort 1 indicate that being younger and having a mental health diagnosis may be vulnerability factors for anxiety. For cohort 2, the interaction of gender x diagnosis x program of study had a significant effect. Age and family income were predictive of significant anxiety in cohort 3. Limitations and perspectives of the study are explored. Conclusion The study recommends that the results be considered in developing preventive and intervention programs in the post-pandemic period.