The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lifestyle and behaviours, mental health and education of students studying healthcare-related courses at a British university

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has affected most industries, including health education. In this study, we surveyed students studying healthcare-related courses at our university on how their lifestyles and behaviours, mental health and education had been affected by the pandemic. Methods Mixed methods cross-sectional study. Results Two hundred thirty-three students responded to the questionnaire. Lifestyle and behaviours: 51.5% of the participants changed their diet (n=120); 45.5% (n=106) exercised less; 66.5% (n=155) experienced a change in sleep; 51.1% (n=119) reported a change in appetite. Mental health: 84.2% (n=196) reported worrying too much about different things; 61.9% (n=144) could not stop or control worrying; 71.2% experienced trouble relaxing on several days or more (n=166). At least sometimes, 72.1% (n=168) felt unable to cope with things they had to do; 8.5% (n=20) never, or almost never, felt confident about handling personal problems. Education: 65.7% (n=153) struggled to complete learning outcomes with online delivery; 82% (n=191) worried about practical skills being affected; 60.5% (n=141) worried about the impact of COVID-19 on their future career. Almost half (48.9%, n=114) believed that online teaching should be part of the standard curriculum. Conclusion In general, there was a negative impact on behaviours, lifestyle and mental health and virtual education was perceived as necessary in making up for the loss of face to face experiences. Students’ mental health and educational needs have been affected by the current pandemic and healthcare educational facilities must respond to these needs to ensure students continue to receive the support they need.

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

“…During the COVID-19 pandemic, we also recorded the impact on dietary habits. Unfortunately, the trend is similar to works from the Polish population, US adults and university students in the UK [ 9 , 11 , 12 ]. Although there were no significant changes in the unhealthy diet index and the frequency of meals, the nutritional knowledge of medicine students deteriorated.…”

“…Moreover, the authors point to the increase in the number of meals in general and the use of dietary supplements [ 8 ]. On the other hand, the work of Gadi et al among students in the UK reports diet changes in more than half of the participants, with most experiencing a decrease in quality [ 9 ].…”

“…Moreover, during the lockdown people spent more time at home and modified their lifestyle by increasing the amount of time devoted to sitting [ 8 ]. 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.…”

“…Additionally, frustration, boredom and financial losses were strong stressors [ 14 , 15 ]. Many people experienced severe mental stress as well as sleeping disorders [ 9 , 15 , 16 ]. The highest levels of depression and anxiety occurred in the early stages of lockdown but declined fairly rapidly, possibly because individuals adapted to the circumstances [ 17 ].…”