The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Sleep, Physical Activity, and Dietary Coping Behaviors in College Students
Mentor Information
Alison Oberne (College of Public Health)
Description
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted people’s mental, physical, and emotional health across the world. College students are a vulnerable population for developing mental health issues and poor coping habits, in general, and during times of stress. The purpose of this study is to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted health-related coping behaviors of first-time-in-college students and the differences, if any, between male, female, and non-binary students. A quantitative, online survey with questions evaluating physical activity, sleep, dietary habits, and stress levels was administered to University of South Florida undergraduate students. ANOVA and the correlation coefficients will be calculated to assess the differences in physical activity, sleeping habits, and dietary habits during the COVID-19 pandemic between male, female, and non-binary respondents. ANOVA and the correlation coefficients will be calculated to assess differences in general stress levels and stress levels in response to the COVID-19 pandemic between male, female, and non-binary respondents. Respondents were primarily female (n = 273), with fewer male (n=53) and non-binary respondents (n = 11). More non- binary students and a larger sample size will be needed in future research to better understand the health-related coping strategies among this vulnerable population. Based on current findings, services, including counseling or health programs, for undergraduate students may be beneficial in developing healthy coping behaviors and promoting healthier lifestyles, especially during natural disasters and infectious disease outbreaks.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Sleep, Physical Activity, and Dietary Coping Behaviors in College Students
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted people’s mental, physical, and emotional health across the world. College students are a vulnerable population for developing mental health issues and poor coping habits, in general, and during times of stress. The purpose of this study is to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted health-related coping behaviors of first-time-in-college students and the differences, if any, between male, female, and non-binary students. A quantitative, online survey with questions evaluating physical activity, sleep, dietary habits, and stress levels was administered to University of South Florida undergraduate students. ANOVA and the correlation coefficients will be calculated to assess the differences in physical activity, sleeping habits, and dietary habits during the COVID-19 pandemic between male, female, and non-binary respondents. ANOVA and the correlation coefficients will be calculated to assess differences in general stress levels and stress levels in response to the COVID-19 pandemic between male, female, and non-binary respondents. Respondents were primarily female (n = 273), with fewer male (n=53) and non-binary respondents (n = 11). More non- binary students and a larger sample size will be needed in future research to better understand the health-related coping strategies among this vulnerable population. Based on current findings, services, including counseling or health programs, for undergraduate students may be beneficial in developing healthy coping behaviors and promoting healthier lifestyles, especially during natural disasters and infectious disease outbreaks.
