A Path Model for Subjective Well-Being during the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Study among Polish and Ukrainian University Students

Abstract

Background: Previous studies showed several associations between physical and mental health dimensions and well-being. This study aims to examine a complex path model explaining the life satisfaction of university students from Poland and Ukraine during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The cross-sectional web-based study was performed in November 2020 using Google Forms. The conventional sample of 3230 university students from Poland (n = 1581) and Ukraine (n = 1649), aged 18–59 (M = 21.40, SD = 3.46), with 59% women, participated in the study. We used standardized questionnaires to measure life satisfaction (SWLS), self-reported physical health (GSRH), perceived stress (PSS-10), coronavirus-related PTSD (PCL-S), anxiety (GAD-7), and depression (PHQ-9). We also developed some questions to assess the exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic, positive effects of the pandemic, religiosity, and physical activity (PA). Results: We found a high prevalence of stress, coronavirus-related PTSD, anxiety, and depression and a low level of life satisfaction and physical health. Polish students, women, and those with insufficient PA levels reported worse physical and mental health than Ukrainians, men, and those who exercised sufficiently during the pandemic. Low perceived stress can directly predict life satisfaction, anxiety, and depression. Low stress also leads to better physical health, sufficient PA levels, high religiosity, and more perceived positive effects of the pandemic. Several indirect effects between particular variables and life satisfaction were also found in the path model. Conclusions: The target group for campus prevention programs is Polish university students, women, and people with insufficient PA levels. Intervention and prevention programs should focus on coping strategies and techniques for improving mental and physical health.

Mental Health and well-being During the COVID-19 Pandemic and After the Russian Invasion of Ukraine

“…The current study aligns with our previous findings [ 6 ], which indicated similar associations between life satisfaction, stress, anxiety, and depression. However, this study extends our previous research by evidencing that anxiety should be treated to the greatest extent in campus prevention and intervention programs.…”

“…Cross-cultural research showed that university students from Ukraine reported fewer symptoms of stress, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and life dissatisfaction than those from other countries, including Poland, Slovenia, Turkey, Israel, Colombia, or Germany [ 2 – 6 ]. Ukrainian students seem to adapt well to difficulties and are more resilient than university students from many other countries.…”

“…During the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, 37.65% of university students from Ukraine experienced symptoms of COVID-19 infection, 17.77% were tested for COVID-19, 1.51% were hospitalized for COVID-19, 14.46% were in strict quarantine for at least 14 days, 47.59% of their friends or relatives were infected, 7.83% reported that their friends or relatives died due to COVID-19, 23.80% lose a job because of COVID-19, and 70.48% experienced worsened economic status due to the pandemic [ 5 ]. A comparison of Polish and Ukrainian students indicate that Ukrainians report better physical health and life satisfaction while having lower symptoms of COVID-19-related PTSD, anxiety, and depression, than their Polish counterparts [ 6 ]. In addition, university students from Ukraine perceived better the positive effect of the lockdown than Polish participants.…”

Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic Moderates Pain Perception and Momentary Oxytocin Levels

“…The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic made it necessary to implement immediate restrictions and physical distancing to control the spread of the virus. The threat of the virus in combination with restrictions and quarantines has been associated with increased rates of anxiety, depression, stress, and decreased well-being [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. In parallel, self-reported pain increased [ 5 , 6 , 7 ], especially when patients suffering from chronic pain did not have access to treatment [ 8 ], suggesting that adequate clinical care can prevent pain augmentation during a pandemic [ 9 , 10 ].…”

On the Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The authors found increased levels of stress, anxiety and depression anddecreased life satisfaction and physical health. The authors highlighted that low perceived COVID-19-related stress directly influenced life satisfaction and anxiety level [ 5 ].…”