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Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on physical, mental, and social aspects of life worldwide. This study aimed to explore and compare differences in knowledge, awareness, behavior, and the psychological impact of the pandemic among students of biomedical faculties at the University of Zagreb. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between 27 November 2020 and 19 January 2021 involving 518 students from the School of Dental Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. An anonymous online questionnaire was distributed, assessing participants’ knowledge about SARS-CoV-2, information sources, attitudes, and psychological responses. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and appropriate statistical tests. Results: The median knowledge score was 61.54%, with senior and female students demonstrating significantly more knowledge (p < 0.001 and p = 0.044, respectively). Students who consulted the scientific literature and official websites had higher knowledge levels (p < 0.001). Most participants used media and social networks for pandemic information, while scientific sources were underutilized. Psychological impacts were evident, with 46.3% expressing fear about the future and 25% reporting anxiety if they were to be infected. Additionally, those who engaged with the scientific literature were more likely to accept vaccination and showed lower levels of COVID-19 stigma. A majority (64.5%) believed that the media exaggerated the pandemic’s risks. Conclusions: Biomedical students demonstrated moderate knowledge about COVID-19, with a clear link between scientific literacy and more informed, less stigmatizing attitudes. This study underscores the importance of reliable information sources in shaping public health awareness and highlights the need for further education on COVID-19 symptoms and preventive measures.
Details
Infections;
Womens health;
Students;
Anxiety;
Public health;
Information sources;
Social networks;
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2;
Biochemistry;
Statistical tests;
Questionnaires;
COVID-19;
Viral diseases;
Statistical analysis;
Social behavior;
Veterinary medicine;
Colleges & universities;
Psychology;
Validity;
Social organization;
Pneumonia;
Pharmacy;
Knowledge;
Attitudes;
False information;
Dentistry;
Mental health;
Vaccination;
Social factors;
Disease transmission;
Cross-sectional studies
; Šimunović, Luka 2
; Miličević, Ana Marija 2 ; Granić, Marko 3
; Bergman, Lana 4
; Peršec, Jasminka 5
1 Department of Oral Medicine, University of Zagreb School of Dental Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
2 Department of Orthodontics, University of Zagreb School of Dental Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
3 Department of Oral Surgery, University of Zagreb School of Dental Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
4 Department of Prosthodontics, University of Zagreb School of Dental Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
5 Clinical Department for Anesthesiology, Reanimatology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Dubrava, University of Zagreb School of Dental Medicine, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;