内科: オープンアクセス
オープンアクセス

概要

The Effect of Social Support, Solidarity and Demographic Characteristics on Social Anxiety among Medical Students in Nigeria amid the COVID-19 Public Health Crisis

Akintunde Tosin Yinka*, Adedeji Adekunle, Amoo Felix Oluseyi, Taha Hussein Musa, Linda Reed,Oyeniran Oluwatosin Imoleayo, Angwi Enow Tassang, Akintunde Oluseye David

Populations have suffered from fears of contracting COVID-19, dealing with increased mortality, and the burden of loneliness created by lockdowns. In the midst of this emergency, different groups have dealt with the psychological challenges in a number of unique ways with varying results. The current study explored the associations among social anxiety, solidarity, demographic characteristics, and social support within a group of medical students in Nigeria. Cross-sectional data from 304 medical students in Nigeria were analysed. A correlation matrix was computed to examine the bivariate associations. Furthermore, two models were hypothesised using hierarchical multiple linear regression. The models estimate the predictive effect of social support, solidarity and demographic characteristics on social anxiety. Bivariate analysis shows that lower social anxiety among the medical students in Nigeria was significantly associated with solidarity (r=190; p ≤ 01) and social support (r=-0.117; p ≤ 0.05). The multiple linear regression model suggests a statistically significant association between social anxiety, social support, and solidarity (adjusted R2=0.033; p<0.001). Similarly, age and gender had a unique contribution to social anxiety (adjusted R2=0.11; p<0.001). These results support the conclusion that the experience of negative thoughts and physiological symptoms of social anxiety during the COVID-19 is mitigated by solidarity and social support. Similarly, age and gender were critical predictors’ social anxiety among medical students in Nigeria. Adequate mental health support is therefore necessary for the older medical students in Nigeria.