Network Analysis of Well-Being Dimensions in Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Samples of University Students from Poland during the Fourth Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Published in: Vaccines (Basel) 2022-08, Vol.10 (8), p.1334
• Main Authors: Rogowska, Aleksandra M, Chilicka, Karolina, Ochnik, Dominika, Paradowska, Maria, Nowicka, Dominika, Bojarski, Dawid, Tomasiewicz, Maciej, Filipowicz, Zuzanna, Grabarczyk, Maksymilian, Babińska, Zuzanna
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anxiety; College students; Colleges & universities; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Fear; Health aspects; Immunization; Mental depression; Mental disorders; Mental health; Network analysis; Pandemics; physical health; Post traumatic stress disorder; Psychological stress; Social networks; Students; subjective well-being; Surveys; university students; Vaccination; vaccination intention and decision; Well being
• ISSN: 2076-393X; 2076-393X
• DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081334

Although numerous studies investigated the predictors of vaccination intention and decision, little is known about the relationship between vaccination and well-being. This study compares the physical and mental health dimensions among vaccinated and unvaccinated people. In a cross-sectional online survey, 706 university students from Poland (mean age of 23 years, 76% of women) participated in this study during the fourth pandemic wave (November–December 2021). Standardized questionnaires with a Likert response scale were included in the survey to measure spirituality, exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic, perceived physical health, stress, coronavirus-related PTSD, fear of COVID-19, anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction. Consistent with the fuzzy-trace theory, the unvaccinated sample was younger and scored significantly lower than the vaccinated group in exposure to COVID-19, perceived physical health, stress, coronavirus-related PTSD, fear of COVID-19, and depression, while higher in life satisfaction. The network analysis showed that mental health plays a crucial role in both groups, with the central influence of anxiety and stress on depression and life satisfaction. The message on vaccination to university students should focus on the benefits of vaccination in maintaining the status quo of good health and well-being. Campus prevention programs should primarily aim to reduce anxiety, stress, and negative emotions by teaching students coping strategies, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness.