Psychological and physical health behavior deviations in students amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study sought to understand how the pandemic impacted mental and physical health behaviors in University students. Methods: Undergraduate and graduate students were asked to answer questions on depression, anxiety, stress, sleep quality, and physical activity "prior to" and "during" the shutdown. Results: 457/960 (47.6%) completed the entire survey. Paired samples t-tests showed significant change in mental and physical health behaviors over time. Hierarchical regression models indicated that negative experiences during the shutdown were associated with depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep quality (all p's < .001), but not time spent exercising or sedentary behavior. In addition, positive experiences during the shutdown acted as a buffer. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic shutdown negatively impacted University students. Significant mental and physical health consequences were observed. These effects may linger long past the re-opening of society, and it may be prudent to prepare for additional demand on campus resources.

Students in undergraduate and graduate programs experience daily stress related to finances, workload, and time management, as well as the entry into emerging adulthood. This period of transition and its corresponding stressors are especially concerning when looking at the impact of a global pandemic on public health. The present study substantiates previous research concluding that college student health negatively changed during COVID-19 and extends it to include graduate students and a more extensive view of health behaviors.