Fear of COVID-19 and its impact on Maltese university students’ wellbeing and substance use

Abstract

The present study examines the psychological aspect of fear, in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, in an attempt to understand the effects of this pandemic on University of Malta students’ substance use and wellbeing. Participants (n = 777) completed an online survey which utilised the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, as well as items relating to religiosity and substance use prior to, and during, the COVID-19 pandemic. Results show that significant associations exist between fear of COVID-19 and self-reported increase in alcohol use, as well as impacts of COVID-19 fear on negative emotional conditions such as depression, exhaustion, and loneliness. Significant associations were also found between fear of COVID-19 and gender and religiosity, with females and more religious participants experiencing higher levels of fear of COVID-19. These findings reveal the multifaceted interactions between fear of COVID-19, religiosity, and gender on students’ wellbeing and substance use, with potential recommendations for further research and practice.