The COVID-19 resource centre, hosted by Elsevier, provides free information in English and Mandarin on the novel coronavirus. Elsevier grants permission to make all its COVID-19-related research available in PubMed Central and other public repositories, with unrestricted reuse and analysis rights. A study conducted among college students at Changzhi Medical College in China examined the psychological impact of the COVID-19 epidemic. The study used cluster sampling to survey 7,143 students, who responded to a questionnaire including the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). Results showed that 0.9% experienced severe anxiety, 2.7% moderate anxiety, and 21.3% mild anxiety. Living in urban areas, family income stability, and living with parents were protective factors against anxiety, while being infected or quarantined with COVID-19 was a risk factor. Economic effects, daily-life disruptions, and academic delays were positively associated with anxiety, while social support was negatively correlated with anxiety levels. The study suggests that mental health monitoring is crucial during public health emergencies. The study aimed to evaluate the mental health of college students during the COVID-19 epidemic and identify factors influencing their anxiety. The results indicate that about 24.9% of students experienced anxiety, with 0.9% experiencing severe anxiety and 21.3% mild anxiety. Living in urban areas, having a stable family income, and living with parents were protective factors, while having a relative or acquaintance infected with COVID-19 was a risk factor. Economic stressors, daily-life disruptions, and academic delays were positively associated with anxiety, while social support was negatively correlated. The study emphasizes the need for social support and timely psychological interventions during public health emergencies.The COVID-19 resource centre, hosted by Elsevier, provides free information in English and Mandarin on the novel coronavirus. Elsevier grants permission to make all its COVID-19-related research available in PubMed Central and other public repositories, with unrestricted reuse and analysis rights. A study conducted among college students at Changzhi Medical College in China examined the psychological impact of the COVID-19 epidemic. The study used cluster sampling to survey 7,143 students, who responded to a questionnaire including the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). Results showed that 0.9% experienced severe anxiety, 2.7% moderate anxiety, and 21.3% mild anxiety. Living in urban areas, family income stability, and living with parents were protective factors against anxiety, while being infected or quarantined with COVID-19 was a risk factor. Economic effects, daily-life disruptions, and academic delays were positively associated with anxiety, while social support was negatively correlated with anxiety levels. The study suggests that mental health monitoring is crucial during public health emergencies. The study aimed to evaluate the mental health of college students during the COVID-19 epidemic and identify factors influencing their anxiety. The results indicate that about 24.9% of students experienced anxiety, with 0.9% experiencing severe anxiety and 21.3% mild anxiety. Living in urban areas, having a stable family income, and living with parents were protective factors, while having a relative or acquaintance infected with COVID-19 was a risk factor. Economic stressors, daily-life disruptions, and academic delays were positively associated with anxiety, while social support was negatively correlated. The study emphasizes the need for social support and timely psychological interventions during public health emergencies.