Cognitive Function and Academic Performance among University Students after COVID-19 Infection
Volume 5, No. 2, 2026
(Received: 2025/10/16, Accepted: 2026/02/06)
Authors:
Shatha alkhazaaleh; Hasan Alkhawaldeh; Abdullah Alkhawaldeh; Mohammed ALBashtawy; Omar Al Omari; Imad Abu Khader; Asem Abdalrahim; Mohammad Alosta; Khloud Al Dameery; Zaher Al-bashabsheh; Nisser Alhroub; Yahya Al-Rshoud;
Keywords:
Cognitive function, Academic performance, University students, COVID-19.
Abstract:
<p><strong><em>Background</em></strong> COVID-19 infection may cause <em>cognitive function impairment, which persist beyond the infection acute stage. It is unknown if cognition is impaired among young undergraduate university students, and whether it affects their </em>academic performance<em>.</em><strong> <em>Aim:</em></strong> To measure the cognitive function and academic performance levels among students who had the COVID-19 and to explore predictors of academic performance. <strong><em>Method:</em></strong> Using a cross sectional design, 63 university students from the physical therapy program were divided into an infected group and a non-infected group. Academic performance was measured using the grade point average, current semester, and course final score. <strong><em>Results:</em></strong> A significant difference between both groups was found in visuospatial function (p = .042), in 2nd semester cumulative (p= .032), and final scores (p =.035). No significant difference was found between the two groups in other cognitive domains nor GPA. None of the variables were significantly associated with academic performance measures. The overall regression was not significant (R<sup>2</sup>=0.05, P<span dir="RTL"><</span>0.05).<strong> <em>Conclusion:</em></strong> COVID-19 may not have long-term cognitive effects among young adults; a more comprehensive battery of cognitive assessment is warranted to detect possible subtle changes in cognition in this population. <strong><em>Implications for Nursing:</em> </strong>The study found few long-term cognitive effects of COVID-19 in young adults, but noted differences in visuospatial skills and academic performance. It recommends ongoing monitoring and support. Nurses in academic and clinical settings should promote cognitive screening, mental health support, and health education tailored to students.</p>