Impact of COVID-19 on college student diet quality and physical activity

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic can cause in increase in stress experienced by college students and consequently, potentially adversely affect their health behaviours. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate how COVID-19 impacted college-attending young adults diet quality and physical activity. Methods: Students attending an Appalachian university in spring 2020 participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants were surveyed on their eating habits, diet quality, and physical activity before and since COVID-19. Frequencies of responses were analyzed and Bowker's test was used to determine differences in responses before and since COVID-19. Alpha was set at 0.05. Results: Almost one third (32.6%) of students reported eating somewhat more since COVID-19 and 67.9% of these students stated it was due to boredom. Students showed a significant increase in frequency of eating and in consumption of almost every food group. The number of students engaging in low physical activity increased from 27.8% to 51.9% and the number of students engaging in high physical activity decreased from 59.5% to 34.0% (p < .0001) and many switched to the use of at-home workouts. Conclusion: Results indicate the effects of campus closure on college student's lifestyles and the risk of developing health problems due to the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially inhibiting their academic progress and well-being.

Lifestyle, Physical Activity and Dietary Habits of Medical Students of Wroclaw Medical University during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Additionally, more than a quarter of respondents indicated more frequent cooking, and most of them described this as healthy. However, the authors recorded an increased consumption of healthy food (fruits, vegetables and legumes) and unhealthy food (red and processed meats) [ 10 ]. The data from a university in Serbia presented by Sekulic et al show that, during the pandemic, there was an increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and nuts, while the use of fast food decreased.…”

“…During the pandemic, swimming pools, gyms and fitness centres were closed. Depending on the intensity of the disease, various types of defence were introduced, as well as limits on people who could participate in sports events [ 10 ].…”

“…Apart from the fact that on-line classes without direct contact were introduced at universities, physical education classes were also carried out remotely [ 9 ]. The study results of other authors showed that the social isolation caused by the pandemic reduced the level of physical activity, which increased the risk of other anti-health behaviours and could have contributed to deterioration of health as measured in the studied people [ 8 , 10 ].…”

“…Some of the major changes, caused by the pandemic, relate to eating habits [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. People spend more time at home due to restrictions.…”

“…Gathered data shows that Polish respondents reported eating more during the quarantine, and the majority of them admitted to snacking more frequently [ 11 ]. According to the study of Olfert et al among American students during COVID-19, the pandemic not only increased the number of meals and snacks consumed per day, but also changed the size and frequency of meals, mostly because of boredom and stress [ 10 ]. On the other hand, the data from a university in Serbia presented by Sekulic et al show that during the pandemic there was an increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and nuts, while eating of fast food decreased [ 8 ].…”