The effect of fear of covid-19 on depression level in university undergraduate students: the mediator role of anxiety

The aim of this study is to reveal whether the fear of COVID-19 affects depression in university undergraduate students, and also to determine whether the level of anxiety mediates the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and depression. An online-based cross-sectional study design on university students was used in the research. The universe of the research consisted of undergraduate students from three different universities in the same region. Data were collected from 627 students using the online questionnaire technique. SPSS and AMOS package programs were used in the analysis of the data. Descriptive analyzes, independent sample t-test, ANOVA analysis, correlation analysis and path analysis were applied to the data. The empirical result of the study revealed that students currently feel more depressed due to widespread fear of COVID-19. In addition, it has been determined that the level of fear caused by COVID-19 in university undergraduate students significantly affects depression, and that the level of anxiety partially mediates the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and depression. This research revealed the important role that the complex relationships between fear and anxiety can play in the development of symptoms of depression.