Lifestyles and habits of a Spanish University Community in times of COVID-19: a cross-sectional study (Estilos de vida y hábitos de una Comunidad Universitaria Española en tiempos de COVID-19: un estudio transversal)

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented disruption in everyone´s worldwide. The lockdown and related restrictions to which the Spanish population was subjected affected the general health of our society as a whole. Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lifestyle and habits of the University of Vigo community -Spain-. Method: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was carried out by means of an anonymous 76-question survey. Results: 418 questionnaires were received, 359 (85.88%) were considered valid for the analysis. Population performed physical activity several times a week (59.39%), non-smokers (89.76%), occasional drinkers (>40% drink no more than 2-3 times/month), slept 7.06±0,9 hours/day and the 60.59% perceived their current state of health as good. During the lockdown they remained active (56.31%), followed safe recommendations (96.86%), had contact with infected people (42%), developed the disease (6%), and required hospital admission (0.40%). People surveyed about the pandemic situation were quite or very concerned (89.84%), had a negative quality life impact (75.20%), and suffered muscle and joint pain due to overuse of electronic devices (66.26%). Conclusion: Our findings show healthy lifestyle, balancing physical activity and/or sports routines with adequate rest and by minimising toxic habits. This behaviour maintained over time, together with following the safe recommendations, may have a protective role in the mental and physical health, minimizing the negative influence of COVID-19. Resumen. Antecedentes: La pandemia por COVID-19 causó trastornos en las vidas de todo el mundo. El confinamiento y las restricciones en España afectaron a la salud general de toda la sociedad. Objetivo: fue conocer el impacto que tuvo la pandemia por Covid-19 sobre el estilo de vida y hábitos de la comunidad de la Universidad de Vigo, España. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional, transversal, a través de una encuesta online anónima. Resultados: 418 cuestionarios fueron recibidos, 359 (85,88%) fueron considerados válidos para su análisis. La población realizó actividad física varias veces por semana (59,39%), no fumador (89,76%), bebedor ocasional (>40% bebe no más de 2-3 veces/mes), durmieron 7,06±0,9 horas/día y el 60,59% percibieron su estado de salud actual como bueno. El 56.31% se mantuvo activo durante el confinamiento. El 96,86% tomó las medidas de prevención recomendadas, un 42% tuvo contactos con positivos, desarrollando la enfermedad un 6% y necesitando ingreso hospitalario el 0,40%. Al 89,84% le preocupa la pandemia bastante o mucho, el 75,20% piensa que la pandemia le ha repercutido de forma negativa, y un 66,26% sufrió dolores musculares y articulares por el sobreuso de dispositivos electrónicos. Conclusión: Nuestros hallazgos muestran un estilo de vida saludable, equilibrando rutinas de actividad física o deportiva con descanso adecuado y alejado de hábitos tóxicos. Este hecho, mantenido en el tiempo, junto con un seguimiento de las recomendaciones de las autoridades sanitarias, ha podido jugar un papel protector en la salud mental y física, limitando la influencia negativa de la COVID-19.

Behavior Regarding Fluid Consumption Following Physical Activity In Indonesian Active Individuals

“…Athletes need to know how to determine how much water they need to stay hydrated and how to create a hydration plan that works for them in their specific sport and environment. The state of your fluid and electrolyte balance can have a major effect on your health and athletic performance, instead of drinking to much on beer even only 2/3 times a month (Rodriguez-Fuentes et al, 2022).…”