Belief in Conspiracy Theories among Latvian Student Groups Depending on Their Studies during the COVID-19 State of Emergency

Activity: Talk or presentation types › Poster presentation

Description

There is an evidence that among students rates in beliefs in conspiracy are high, which has a significant impact on behaviour related to depression and anxiety. However, there is limited data about student beliefs in Latvia. This study aims to investigate the difference in beliefs in conspiracy theories among different study groups of Latvian students during the second COVID-19 outbreak. . This was a cross-sectional international study where university and college students were asked to fill the self-report online questionnaire developed as a part of an international study during the COVID-19 state of emergency. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test. . The study included 1047 students. Students were classified into three groups depending on their studies. Group A 36.90% (N= 386) included health and biological sciences, group B 31.30% (N= 328) included technical sciences and group C 31.80% (N= 333) - arts, literature, education, and related sciences. Out of all respondents who believed very much or much that COVID-19 appeared accidentally from human contact with animals, and it was something that generally happens 51.80% (N=177) was group A. Meanwhile, 41.20% (N=98) of all who believed very much or much that COVID-19 has much lower mortality rate but there is misinformation and terror-inducing propaganda was group C. Almost half of the respondents who believed very much or much that vaccines in general are dangerous and should be avoided were from group C (48.60%, N=35). Additionally, 39.50% (N=102) was group C who believed much or very much that many important pieces of information are deliberately hidden from the public for reasons of interest.. The study showed that overall group C students believe much often in conspiracy theories. This study could help to evolve a plan in future for dealing with psychological support for students population.
Period29 Mar 2023
Event titleRSU International Research Conference 2023: Knowledge for Use in Practice
Event typeConference
OrganiserRīga Stradiņš University
LocationRiga, LatviaShow on map
Degree of RecognitionInternational

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