Beliefs in Conspiracy Theories and Mental Health in the Student Community of Latvia During the COVID-19 Outbreak

BACKGROUNDThe objective of this study was to investigate self-reported changes in mental health and their association with various sociodemographic factors and beliefs in conspiracy theories among university and college students in Latvia during the second state of emergency caused by COVID-19. SUBJECTS AND METHODSThis cross-sectional study was conducted as part of an international research project, where university and college students were anonymously asked to complete an online self-report questionnaire. Changes in anxiety and depression were assessed using self-rated questions. Statistical analysis involved Pearson's chi-square test and univariate binary logistic regression.ression. RESULTSThe study comprised 1047 students, with 828 females (79.08% aged 21.71±0.09). Worsening in self-reported anxiety was more prevalent among females (69.3%, p