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

Background: 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.

Objective: 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.

Methods: 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: 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.

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