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The Challenges of Reopening Universities in the Corona Pandemic From Students’ Perspectives Publisher



Javadi SMH1, 2 ; Sabzi Khoshnami M3 ; Noruzi S4, 5 ; Saffarnia M6 ; Emami Razavi SH7 ; Tavakoli M8
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Social Work, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
  2. 2. Social Health Group, Iranian Academy of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Social Work, School of Behavioral Sciences, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Department of Social Work, School of Health and Nutrition, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
  5. 5. Shahid Chamran Hospital, Borujerd, Iran
  6. 6. Department of Psychology, School of Human Sciences, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
  7. 7. Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  8. 8. Department of Social Work, Faculty of Social Sciences, Allame Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran

Source: Health in Emergencies and Disasters Quarterly Published:2025


Abstract

Background: Iran is one of the few countries that closed schools and universities since the beginning of the pandemic. This study examines students’ views on the challenges of reopening universities. Materials and Methods: The study is cross-sectional, and its statistical population consisted of students of Iranian universities. Data were collected by an electronic questionnaire (N=20534) based on a review of resources, interviews with stakeholders, and meetings with experts. Results: Half of the families agreed with reopening the universities, and the other half opposed it. About 56% of the participants rated their family’s economic situation moderate. During the quarantine and university closing, they faced many challenges with their family members, and 76.6% were admitted. The relationship between family agreement with the reopening of the university and sex, vaccination of family members, and history of coronavirus infection by family members is direct and strong. Students with poorer economic status had less passive attendance and less satisfaction. Conclusion: Students and their parents have concerns about the reopening, which, if appropriately addressed, will increase reluctance and motivation. © 2025 The Author(s).