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

Abstract

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.

The mediating effects of post-pandemic health promotion behaviors in the relationship between anxiety and quality of life in young adults in South Korea: a cross-sectional study

“…The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [37] recommends adults aged 18-60 get at least 7 hours of sleep, yet in our study, 68.1% of participants reported sleeping less than seven hours. Excessive smartphone use has been directly linked to insomnia [38], and with smartphones becoming integral to all aspects of daily life post-pandemic [2], interventions to improve HPB should incorporate strategies to promote positive behaviors related to smartphone use and sleep.…”

“…Strict social distancing policies were enforced worldwide in the initial period of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID- 19) pandemic [1]. These measures required individuals to minimize physical interactions and adopt an online-based lifestyle, and facilitated by rapid technological advancement and adaptation, this shift heralded the beginning of the post-pandemic era [2].…”

“…While the acceleration of technological progress has transformed academic and professional environments [2], offering benefits such as improved work-life balance and satisfaction owing to flexible work arrangements [3], issues such as lack of physical activity, job loss, and isolation have also led to negative health consequences, including depression and anxiety [4], directly impacting quality of life (QoL) [5]. QoL, defined as an tal culture.…”

Gaya Hidup Generasi Z Dalam Konteks Perilaku Makan, Tingkat Stres, Kualitas Tidur dan Kaitannya Dengan Status Gizi: Literature Review

“…Generasi Z menghabiskan waktu mereka dengan menggunakan perangkat seluler termasuk pada saat makan, berolahraga, belajar, rekreasi bahkan pada saat istirahat. Kebiasaan ini menimbulkan kesepian secara fisik dan kecanduan gadget yang berlebihan (Heo & Jang, 2023). Hasil penelitian Sohn et al, (2021) di King's College London menyatakan bahwa sebesar 38,9% mengalami kecanduan gadget.…”