SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and beyond: The impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on Turkish youth and their attitude toward future prospects

Abstract

Introduction: The impact of SARS-CoV-2 is intergenerational, and although it affects everyone differently, its effects on young people have been systematic, violent, and disproportionate compared to many social groups. This study aims to understand the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on Turkish youth and their attitude toward future prospects. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out between March 15 and May 20, 2022, with young people aged 18–29 living in Turkey. The data was collected using an online survey tool. In descriptive statistical analyses, categorical variables were presented as frequency and percentage, and continuous variables as mean (M) and standard deviation (SD). The independent samples t-test and the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to test between-group differences in continuous variables. Results: In total, 696 participants responded to the online survey. For the majority of Turkish young people, SARS-CoV-2 has not impacted their physical health (55.7%) and mental health (57.8 %). In contrast, youth believe that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic will negatively or strongly affect their future in terms of educational opportunities (58.7%), job prospects (58.6%), physical (58.1%), or mental health well-being (56.9%), economic stability (65.1%), financial stability (65.1%), and their overall future (58.2%). Conclusions: Our findings pointed to adverse effects that would last longer than the pandemic. Priority should be given to strategies that reduce the long-term impact of the pandemic on young people and provide them with a sense of optimism that the future they desire is still achievable.