Racial and ethnic minority disparities in COVID-19 related health, health beliefs and behaviors, and well-being among students

Abstract

<b>Objective:</b> The purpose of this study was to examine undergraduate racial/ethnic disparities in physical, mental, behavioral, and psychosocial COVID-19 impacts. <b>Participants:</b> In May 2020, 403 undergraduates (74% women; <i>Mage</i> = 20.4; 65% White, 19% Asian, 10% Latinx, 6% Black) were recruited. <b>Methods:</b> Participants completed a survey 2 months after their university switched to remote instruction due to COVID-19. <b>Results:</b> 15.2% reported either COVID-19 diagnosis or perceived symptoms, but there were no racial/ethnic disparities in this health outcome. Latinx and Asian students experienced higher COVID-19 related threat and negative beliefs than White students. Asian students experienced more discrimination and Latinx students experienced greater economic impacts. There were no differences in mental health or health behaviors. <b>Conclusion:</b> Results suggest that psychosocial impacts of a pandemic on undergraduate students vary by race/ethnicity, although mental health responses may be more universal. Implications for how colleges and universities can best serve student needs are discussed.