Research Article

Investigation of the Fear of Contagion Among Students of the Vocational School of Health Services

Volume: 16 Number: 2 May 24, 2026
TR EN

Investigation of the Fear of Contagion Among Students of the Vocational School of Health Services

Abstract

Aim: Fear of contagion is a psychological condition that can have negative effects on individuals working in health-related sectors. The aim of this study is to investigate fear of contagion among students at the Vocational School of Health Services.

Material and Methods: This study was designed as a descriptive and cross-sectional quantitative research method, and the data collection process was carried out between 15 July 2022 and 15 August 2022. Data were collected via an online survey prepared using Google Forms via social media platforms (WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter). The data collection tools used were the ‘Demographic Characteristics Survey,’ which identified participants' personal information, and the 5-point Likert-type ‘Contagion/ Fear of Contagion Scale,’ consisting of 24 items and 4 sub-dimensions.

Results: The study included 861 participants (mean age 20.50±2.26; 74.45% female). While 56.33% of participants reported fear of contracting infectious diseases from healthcare facilities, 57.61% reported fear of becoming ill in social settings. When comparing Contamian Fear Scale scores, it was found that second-year students scored significantly higher than other years. In particular, individuals who used social media to obtain information about infectious diseases had significantly higher scale scores than those who did not (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Fear of contagion is prevalent among second-year students and social media users, significantly impacting daily lives. The results of this study shed light on how critical it is to address this problem in educational and clinical settings in order to support a healthier and more productive learning environment for future healthcare professionals.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

This study was approved by Bitlis Eren University Rectorate Ethical Principles and Ethics Committee' with the decision numbered 2022/10-3 and E.2450 at the meeting dated 28.07.2022. And conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Clinical Sciences (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

May 24, 2026

Submission Date

April 29, 2025

Acceptance Date

January 27, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 16 Number: 2

APA
Şevik, A. E., Şahinoğlu, M. S., Karakaş, Ü., Alkan (varoğlu), S., Öntürk Akyüz, H., & Kartal, H. (2026). Investigation of the Fear of Contagion Among Students of the Vocational School of Health Services. Value in Health Sciences, 16(2), 237-243. https://doi.org/10.33631/sabd.1686330
AMA
1.Şevik AE, Şahinoğlu MS, Karakaş Ü, Alkan (varoğlu) S, Öntürk Akyüz H, Kartal H. Investigation of the Fear of Contagion Among Students of the Vocational School of Health Services. VHS. 2026;16(2):237-243. doi:10.33631/sabd.1686330
Chicago
Şevik, Ali Emre, Mustafa Serhat Şahinoğlu, Ümit Karakaş, Sevil Alkan (varoğlu), Hatice Öntürk Akyüz, and Hakan Kartal. 2026. “Investigation of the Fear of Contagion Among Students of the Vocational School of Health Services”. Value in Health Sciences 16 (2): 237-43. https://doi.org/10.33631/sabd.1686330.
EndNote
Şevik AE, Şahinoğlu MS, Karakaş Ü, Alkan (varoğlu) S, Öntürk Akyüz H, Kartal H (May 1, 2026) Investigation of the Fear of Contagion Among Students of the Vocational School of Health Services. Value in Health Sciences 16 2 237–243.
IEEE
[1]A. E. Şevik, M. S. Şahinoğlu, Ü. Karakaş, S. Alkan (varoğlu), H. Öntürk Akyüz, and H. Kartal, “Investigation of the Fear of Contagion Among Students of the Vocational School of Health Services”, VHS, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 237–243, May 2026, doi: 10.33631/sabd.1686330.
ISNAD
Şevik, Ali Emre - Şahinoğlu, Mustafa Serhat - Karakaş, Ümit - Alkan (varoğlu), Sevil - Öntürk Akyüz, Hatice - Kartal, Hakan. “Investigation of the Fear of Contagion Among Students of the Vocational School of Health Services”. Value in Health Sciences 16/2 (May 1, 2026): 237-243. https://doi.org/10.33631/sabd.1686330.
JAMA
1.Şevik AE, Şahinoğlu MS, Karakaş Ü, Alkan (varoğlu) S, Öntürk Akyüz H, Kartal H. Investigation of the Fear of Contagion Among Students of the Vocational School of Health Services. VHS. 2026;16:237–243.
MLA
Şevik, Ali Emre, et al. “Investigation of the Fear of Contagion Among Students of the Vocational School of Health Services”. Value in Health Sciences, vol. 16, no. 2, May 2026, pp. 237-43, doi:10.33631/sabd.1686330.
Vancouver
1.Ali Emre Şevik, Mustafa Serhat Şahinoğlu, Ümit Karakaş, Sevil Alkan (varoğlu), Hatice Öntürk Akyüz, Hakan Kartal. Investigation of the Fear of Contagion Among Students of the Vocational School of Health Services. VHS. 2026 May 1;16(2):237-43. doi:10.33631/sabd.1686330