Factors associated with extensions and withdrawals from stricto sensu graduate programs in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic: emphasis on mental health.

38% of graduate students extended their course completion deadlines and 4.8% withdrew from enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Cross-sectional analytical study conducted with 5,286 graduate students enrolled in 2022
• Data collected through an electronic form containing sociodemographic, academic, and health information including history of mental disorders
• Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using logistic regression through R software

Course extension was associated with pursuing a doctorate, studying Engineering or Biological Sciences, reporting training difficulties, and presenting mental health problems.

• These factors were identified through logistic regression analysis
• Both academic field (Engineering or Biological Sciences) and level of study (doctorate vs. master's) were independent risk factors for extension
• Mental health problems emerged as a significant associated factor for deadline extension

Participation in remote classes and a previous diagnosis of hypertension emerged as protective factors against course extension.

• Remote class participation was associated with reduced likelihood of extending the completion deadline
• A prior diagnosis of hypertension also emerged as a protective factor against extension
• These protective factors were identified through logistic regression analysis among the 5,286 participants

Course withdrawal was associated with having children, studying Engineering, facing pandemic difficulties, presenting mental health problems, and having a history of academic leave.

• Having children was an independent factor associated with increased odds of withdrawal
• A history of prior academic leave was also significantly associated with withdrawal
• Mental health problems were associated with both extension and withdrawal outcomes
• Engineering students faced elevated risk for both extension and withdrawal

Being a scholarship holder was a protective factor that reduced the chances of course withdrawal by 50%.

• Scholarship status reduced odds of withdrawal by 50% according to logistic regression analysis
• This was identified as a protective factor specifically for withdrawal, not extension
• The finding suggests financial support plays a key role in student retention in graduate programs