Gender, ethnicity differences in mental health status and COVID-19 vaccine intention among U.S. College students during COVID-19 pandemic.

To examine mental health status, COVID-19 vaccine intention and barriers among college students in the U.S. Students ( = 337) registered at a large public university in 2021. Cross-sectional survey data were collected online and analyzed using independent samples test, chi-square test, and one-way ANOVA. Compared to male students, females reported greater anxiety ( < .05) and fear ( < .01). Hispanic participants reported increased anxiety level and the least positive pandemic coping strategies (both  < .05) across the ethnic groups. Black students were the racial group with the lowest trust in the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine ( < .05). Vaccine intention was positively correlated with factors such as vaccine safety measures, and perceptions toward vaccination (both  < .001). These gender- and ethnicity- based mental health struggles should be addressed immediately for better health and vaccine promotion outcomes amid the COVID-19 pandemic.