Representações sociais sobre a COVID-19 entre estudantes universitários da UFBA

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted biopsychosocial impacts in global scale, requiring studies to be understood. In this direction, this research aims to apprehend the social representations of university students about COVID-19. Data were produced through a Free Word-Association Test, a sociodemographic questionnaire and interviews, in two moments. The first moment consisted of the virtual application of the Free Word-Association Test and the second, of the realization of the interviews, both virtual and in person. At both times, a sociodemographic questionnaire was applied. A total of 287 students from the interdisciplinary baccalaureate from UFBA participated in the first stage of the study and, in the second, 34 students. The test was carried out from August 2021 to May 2022 and the interviews between November 2021 and November 2022. A sociodemographic data were presented by frequency, measures of position and central tendency. The test data resulted in a four-house chart and a similitude tree. Based on the interviews, a Descending Hierarchical Classification was produced. The softwares used were Jamovi®, Evoc® and Iramuteq®. Data analysis was based on Bardin's Content Analysis techniques and Jean-Claude Abric's considerations on the structural approach of social representations. Regarding sociodemographic data, most students are black people, religious and cisgender women. The possible central core of the social representation about COVID-19 was composed of the idea that COVID-19 generated a pandemic, marked by death and the fear of illness and death. The peripheral elements were constituted by the sensation of chaos, by a certain restlessness in relation to the government and the presidency. The peripheral zone was also integrated by health protection measures and the emotions of the participants, such as anxiety, insecurity and sadness. Respondents highlighted that the pandemic had impacts on their lives and their community. They demonstrated confidence in scientific knowledge for confront the pandemic. In this context, dissatisfaction with the presidential government, with its conduct and political positions was an element present among the interviewees. Thus, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered negative feelings of anxiety and fear, especially in relation to family members, due to the fear that family members would contract the disease. As COVID-19 is a recent disease, it is suggested to deepen its social representations in future studies, including with other groups. It is hoped, with this study, to contribute with reflections that help the university to design strategies for moments of crisis.