Psychological impact of the back to presential classes in the covid-19 pandemic among universities: a cross-sectional observational study

Introduction: In the context of pandemics, in November 2019, an outbreak of respiratory disease by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was detected in the city of Wuhan, China, the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) caused an unprecedented crisis in the area of education, causing the massive closure of face-to-face activities of educational institutions in more than 190 countries, academics, who are experiencing a conflict between face-to-face study and fear of contamination, anxiety and remote study, the learning method, creating difficulties of concentration and loneliness. Objective: This cross-sectional observational study aimed to assess the psychological impact of back to school in the COVID-19 pandemic among university students, as well as to assess how academic knowledge influences the student's perspective of the pandemic, in addition to analyzing the emotional factors involved. Methods: The present study followed a cross-sectional observational-epidemiological model, following the STROBE rules. The methodology used consisted of a Google Forms questionnaire distributed to academics from different courses and universities in the State of São Paulo, consisting of a free and informed consent term and six (6) questions. A common descriptive statistical analysis was performed with mean and standard deviation values. The analyzes followed the Chi-square test (X2), with p <0.05 with statistical significance of association, with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: According to the results of this cross-sectional observational-epidemiological study, a total of 200 responses from university students were obtained, of which 39 responses were discarded for reasons of repetition and lack of data. Thus, the final total of validated responses was 161. The medical course had the highest participation of students, totaling 46.6% of the responses of the total of 161 students, followed by psychology students with 16.8%. There was a significant difference between the answers to each question, with p> 0.001. The frequency of personal hygiene habits among university students reflected the psychological changes of fear and anxiety. Conclusion: There was a marked presence of psychological changes such as fear and anxiety among university students. It is necessary to provide timely and targeted psychological treatment services and preventive measures in future pandemic situations.