Fear, religiosity, well-being, and substance abuse among Israeli female social work students during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study compared a purposive sample of secular and religious female social work students during four years of the pandemic. The objective of this study was to assess the association between COVID-19 fear, religiosity, well-being, and substance use in Israel. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) was used for study purposes. A total of 1790 students completed an online survey from May 2020 to April 2023. Findings evidence deterioration of student well-being, as well as increased substance use and alcohol binge drinking over 4 years of the pandemic. Regression analysis shows that the predictors associated with substance use are most evident during the first 2 years of COVID-19. The last 2 years of COVID-19 evidence less fear and substance use due to possible student adjustment to health conditions. Present findings do not evidence religiosity as a protective factor. Additional research is needed over time, academic study profession and location to further understand the possible impact of fear on healthcare students during and after disaster conditions including those related to war and violence.