Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 on the Psychology of Saudi Technical College Students: Lessons and Tips

Abstract

During COVID-19 pandemic, many countries around the world considered a health control measures in order to face the significant spread of infection. But these considerations were accompanied by a disruption in the daily routines of many higher education students. Our research aimed to study the impact of the Corona epidemic on the psychological state of the behavior of vocational and technical training students in Saudi Arabia. The professional training program differs from the university program by its direct link with the laboratories. Indeed, the majority of the modules have a practical aspect and it is difficult with current software to be studied remotely. Results showed a psychological impact of the pandemic in different proportions. This work notices a 27.6 of depression percentage, a percentage of anxiety of 23.7% and 15.1% of stress percentage. Compared to other countries, these values are relatively low. This led us to a second test to look for reasons that mitigated the crisis effects. The study found several positive factors like: 80% of the trainees had laptops, 88% of them had family stability and family support, 81% have a quiet study place at home, 75% are dedicated to studying and have not extra-time jobs and finally 91% of courses are available and recorded. Previous findings may be useful in the future by the international community so that necessary precautions will be taken in the event of a new similar pandemic wave.