# Exploring COVID-19 Phobia among International Chinese College Students in South Korea Before Ending COVID-19 Restrictions

## TL;DR

This study examines how international Chinese college students in South Korea experienced fear of COVID-19 before restrictions were lifted, focusing on their information sources and behaviors.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into the psychological impact of the pandemic on a specific international student group and their reliance on information sources.

## Key findings

- Students with higher perceived infection severity had higher levels of COVID-19 phobia.
- Those who avoided crowded places and disagreed with Korean government policies showed higher phobia levels.
- Students relied heavily on the internet and news for pandemic-related information.

## Abstract

College students, considered to be the driving force of society, are highly vulnerable to COVID-19. At a time when facing a new pandemic wave in 2022, China’s policy was in contrast with that of Korea. We investigated the phobia levels of international Chinese college students studying in Korea.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the frequency of use and trust of information sources, and COVID-19 phobia (C19P) among Chinese college students studying in Korea before ending related restrictions.

This study employed a cross-sectional design, conducting an online survey among Chinese college students studying in Korea from April 8–15, 2022 (before Korea ended the limitations due to COVID-19). Data about 319 respondents were analyzed, including socio-demographics, information variables, knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP), and C19P. Hierarchical regression analysis with different models was used to examine the relationship between information trust, KAP, and C19P.

Results showed that students performed well in knowledge and preventive practices, had diverse sources of getting information related to COVID-19, and highly depended on the internet and news. Students who perceived a higher severity of infection showed higher levels of COVID-19 phobia. The tendency to wear masks with family/friends, avoid crowded places, and not agree with Korean government mitigation policies reported higher levels of COVID-19 phobia.

More authority and proactive communication strategies, such as consultations or education programs, are needed for international students to alleviate their phobias and psychological stress.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-024-01718-5.