The Impact of Knowledge Level and Attitude Towards Covid-19 on Psychological Distress and Social Isolation Among the University of Tabriz Faculty of Physical Education Students

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected everyone, including college students. Due to the consequences related to health, economy and individual life, Covid-19 is associated with many psychological stressors and may cause psychological distress and social isolation. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of knowledge level and attitudes toward Covid-19 on psychological distress and social isolation among college students. This research was a cross-sectional study and based on the purpose of an applied type, and in terms of method, it was a descriptive research that was conducted as a survey. The statistical population was all physical education students (N=383) of Tabriz University in the academic year 2020-21. Cochran's sample size formula was used to determine the sample size (n=192). The data collection tool was a questionnaire. A total of 200 physical education of Tabriz University took part in an online survey from 1 December to 6 December. The questionnaire included demographic information, a Standard Questionnaire for Knowledge and Awareness Level of Covid-19 by Mahshvari et al. (2020), Standard Questionnaire Attitude towards Covid-19 Al-Hanawi et al. (2020), Kessler Standard Distress Questionnaire (2003) and Standard Questionnaire for Social Isolation of Yazidi School (2014). The findings showed that in the knowledge and awareness level variable, older people, women compared to men, married people compared to single, and doctoral students compared to other levels, had a higher level of knowledge and awareness of Covid-19. In the attitude level variable, older people, women compared to men, single people compared to married people, and undergraduate students compared to other levels, had a higher level of attitude towards Covid-19.  In the variable of psychological distress, young people, women compared to men, single people compared to married people, and doctoral students had higher psychological distress compared to other levels. In the social isolation variable, young people, women compared to men, single people compared to married people, and undergraduate students had higher social isolation compared to other levels. Testing research hypotheses showed that there is a significant inverse relationship between the level of knowledge and the level of attitude towards Covid-19 with psychological distress and social isolation. It was also found that the level of knowledge about Covid-19 and the level of attitude towards Covid-19 have a significant effect on psychological distress and social isolation. Therefore, it is better to consider preventive behaviors at the community level in order to control the Covid-19 epidemic, and this issue should be considered by policy makers and health officials.