The Effects of Social Distancing During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Stress, Eating, Weight, Sleep, and Physical Activity in College Students

OBJECTIVES: Measures implemented due to the CoVID-19 pandemic, may have affected stress-induced sleep disturbances and food cravings. This study aims to evaluate: 1) perceptions on how social distancing due to CoVID-19 affected stress, sleep, dietary habits and physical activity (PA) patterns in female vs. male college students; 2) perceived factors associated with self-reported weight changes during the initial months of social distancing. METHODS: Cross-sectional. Online anonymous survey administered using a social network site as the main data collection tool in a period from June to August 2020. Questionnaire was framed to retrospectively recall the first phase of social distancing measures. RESULTS: College students (n = 575); majority 18-24 y, 80% women, 14% men, 1.3% transgender and 2% non-binary; 76% White, 10% Hispanic/Latino, 7% African American, 5% Asian & 6% Multiracial. Of the 575 participants, 36% reported overeating and 34% an increase in weight. Under exercise was reported in 31% of participants and 40% decreased their sleep during the initial months of social distancing. Regarding mental health, 37% reported having high levels of anxiety, and 61% reported a decreased sense of happiness. Fifty-five reported feeling high levels of stress at home and 64% reported stress due to schoolwork. A higher proportion of women reported higher levels of uncertainty (p = 0.002), anxiety (p = 0.042), stress at home (p = 0.046), changes in mood (p = 0.01) and changes in eating (0.014). There were no differences among gender responses for changes in sleep, weight, loneliness, exercise and school work related stress. Self-reported weight gain was associated with changes in exercise for 54% (P < 0.0001). Changes in mood for 73% (P = 0.002), overall changes in sleep 78% (P = 0.002) and changes in eating for 82% (P = 0.002) of the responders. Weight change was associated with uncertainty (P = 0.023), anxiety (P < 0.001) and stress levels at home (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In this non-representative US sample, most college students reported high levels of stress and decreased happiness, with women affected at higher levels. It can be hypothesized that long term disaster responses using social distancing, should address stress management, PA, sleep and eating habits for age college students to maintain a healthy weight. FUNDING SOURCES: Worcester State University Advancement Office