Psychological Health and Behaviors in College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore changes in quality of eating, physical activity habits and changes in mental health-related markers in undergraduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic. A secondary aim was to explore relationships between health habits and anxiety and depression. METHODS: Undergraduate student participants (n = = 368, 68.8% females, 80.7% white, mean age of 23.9 ± 7.4 years) from one small private university, one large public university, and one large community college completed a 43-item retrospective online survey from June - December 2021. Frequencies were used to analyze demographics, eating and activity habits, perceived levels of stress, symptoms of anxiety and depression, isolation, and difficulty with sleep. Correlations were examined between health habits and levels of anxiety and depression. Jamovi software (2.2.5) was utilized to perform all data analyses. RESULTS: The majority of students reported increased feelings of: mental exhaustion (80.4%), feelings of isolation (77.9%), difficulty with sleep (56.1%), anxiety symptoms (76.7%), and feelings of sadness (71.1%). A significant negative correlation was found between feelings of isolation and healthy eating habits (r = −0.12, p = 0.01). A significant negative correlation was also found between difficulty with sleep and vegetable intake (r = −0.10, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: This study found reported increases in mental exhaustion, feelings of isolation, difficulty with sleep, anxiety symptoms, and symptoms of depression and how changes in lifestyle habits were associated with feelings of anxiety and depression. Findings suggest the pandemic has negatively impacted the mental health and lifestyle habits of undergraduate students. These findings elucidate the need for comprehensive screening, assessment, and resources for mental health in undergraduate students, specifically tailored for anxiety and depression, especially during a time of a global pandemic. FUNDING SOURCES: Student Undergraduate Research Experience (S.U.R.E) Program at Stonehill College funded this project.