Abstract
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
Background There is a lack in sufficient knowledge concerning the psychological responses to the COVID-19 pandemic among Optometry and Biomechanics students at the University of Johannesburg. Aim The aim of the study was to determine the psychological response of Optometry and Biokinetics students at the University of Johannesburg to the COVID-19 pandemic where the psychological responses under investigation were depression, anxiety and stress. Research Methodology This was a cross sectional quantitative exploratory study using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-42) as an online questionnaire, with an additional demographic section, via the QuestionPro™ platform. It was distributed to the 317 Optometry and Biokinetics students (Optometry comprising of 200 and Biokinetics comprising of 117 students) at the University of Johannesburg. After the relative departments gave their permission to distribute the questionnaire and information documents electronically to the participants. Each participant was required to give consent before completing the questionnaire and take ten minutes to complete the questionnaire. Participants remained anonymous. The data was collected and analysed by the researcher with the assistance of the STATKON department at the University of Johannesburg. Results and Discussion It was concluded in this study that on average, Optometry and Biokinetics students at the University of Johannesburg experienced ‘mild’ levels of depression and ‘moderate’ levels of anxiety and stress during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. The method of measurement was the DASS severity rating scale. The data also showed that the senior students experienced statistically significant higher...