Young age, student status and reported non-binary gender associate strongly with decreased functioning during Covid-19 pandemic in a university community

Abstract

BackgroundCovid-19 pandemic has had detrimental effects on physical and mental well-being whereas there are fewer studies on Covid-19 effects on everyday functioning.AimsWe aimed to investigate effects of Covid-19 on functioning and related factors in a university community.MethodIn all, 2004 students and university personnel responded to a Webropol survey in May 2021, when the measures for preventing Covid-19 infections had sustained about a year and a half. Functioning included Visual Analog Scale (0 to 10) assessments on ability to function and ability to work.ResultsYoung age, reported non-binary gender, being student, low resilience, loneliness, received mental care and minor physical exercise, as well as depressive symptoms associated with inferior functioning and negative effects of Covid-19 on functioning. Good school performance at adolescence associated with better, while childhood adversities associated with poorer functioning.ConclusionsIn the university community, young age and non-binary gender associated with decreased functioning during Covid-19 pandemic. Functioning of students was lower than in that of the university personnel. The need for therapeutic counselling and interventions is greatest among young students.