Purpose: This study aimed to assess the levels of fear and uncertainty regarding the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 among Jouf University students and to explore the factors influencing those fears and uncertainties.
Design and methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 416 undergraduate students who used an electronic questionnaire. Fear and intolerance of uncertainty scales were used to assess students' fear and uncertainty.
Findings: Results indicated a positive correlation between fear and intolerance of uncertainty, and a negative correlation between the level of knowledge and fear. Gender, age, and type of college emerged as significant predictors of fear.
Practice implications: Developing strategies to respond positively to students' worries and fears and proactively help them to solve their problems and guide them in preparing a plan for the future.
Keywords: COVID-19; fear; uncertainty; university students.
© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.