COVID-19 and its Influence on Academic Performance and Health Status of Tertiary Level Students in Jamaica

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic has negatively influenced academic performance and the health status of students in Jamaica. The current study is a national cross-sectional survey, which revealed that almost 14 out of every 25 students in this study indicated having health issues due to online learning (i.e., back and eye problems). The challenges of online learning are not limited to health issues as 26.0% per cent of the sampled students cited that poor internet connectivity has influenced and contributed to their poor academic performance compared to 33.3% of NCU students. The area of residence even compounds the internet connectivity issue. Those who dwelled in rural zones are at a disadvantage compared to their urban counterparts in city-like communities. Another challenge experienced by students is that 11.3% have to travel long distances to use internet service (i.e., internet café, relatives and friends outside of their homes). The matter is even worse among NCU students, as 28.7% have to commute to access internet services. Some 27.0% of NCU students expressed a significant challenge to focus on schoolwork, and 54.1% stated that they are experiencing difficulties grasping the lessons on the virtual platform. The new era of online (virtual) learning has changed the landscape of teaching and learning. It has brought many challenges that some students neither have the resources or intellectual capabilities to cope with the litany of social dislocation which the pandemic has predicated. The students have to cope with this newness and should incorporate their concerns into the decision-making process at the highest levels, where they can be effectively addressed.