Implications for Health Management Through an Analysis of Changes in Life Patterns of Generation Z College Students Experiencing the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

PURPOSE: This study examines the radical changes in the everyday life patterns of Gen Z college students and their health-related perceptions in the online era. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twelve Korean college students in their 20s attending online classes were included in this study. Online video interviews were conducted between September 2021 and January 2022, and content analysis was performed on the one-on-one interview transcripts. RESULTS: Four main categories and ten subcategories were derived from the data analysis: (1) living in a mobile world, (2) new lifestyle transcending time and space and adaptation to the change, (3) expansion of the meaning of health, and (4) interest in health and health management. CONCLUSION: Gen Z college students have quickly adapted to the convenience of a non-face-to-face lifestyle, and their perceptions about health and methods of health management have also changed accordingly. Correspondingly, for the new generation of university students, providing customized health care that reflects the lifestyle of using mobile devices and includes self-management areas is necessary.