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Lifestyle Changes among Polish University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Karolina Fila-Witecka

    (Department and Clinic of Psychiatry, Wrocław Medical University, 50-367 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Adrianna Senczyszyn

    (Department and Clinic of Psychiatry, Wrocław Medical University, 50-367 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Agata Kołodziejczyk

    (Department and Clinic of Psychiatry, Wrocław Medical University, 50-367 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Marta Ciułkowicz

    (Department and Clinic of Psychiatry, Wrocław Medical University, 50-367 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Julian Maciaszek

    (Department and Clinic of Psychiatry, Wrocław Medical University, 50-367 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Błażej Misiak

    (Department and Clinic of Psychiatry, Wrocław Medical University, 50-367 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Dorota Szcześniak

    (Department and Clinic of Psychiatry, Wrocław Medical University, 50-367 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Joanna Rymaszewska

    (Department and Clinic of Psychiatry, Wrocław Medical University, 50-367 Wrocław, Poland)

Abstract

Students worldwide have been impacted by nationwide safety closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, creating an environment with loss of interaction with colleagues, social isolation, boredom, and economic uncertainty. Since university students were considered uniquely vulnerable to mental health problems even before the pandemic, this study aimed to investigate lifestyle and behavioral changes experienced by this population due to the epidemiological situation and their effect on their mental health. Data were collected via an online survey conducted among university students across Poland. The survey addressed recent lifestyle changes that were a result of the pandemic as well as psychological distress, symptoms of insomnia and symptoms of post-traumatic stress. The results indicate that protective factors include maintaining a daily routine, staying physically active, following a usual eating pattern and taking care of sleep hygiene. Changes in behavior contributing to poorer mental health included giving up a daily routine, neglecting meals, tidiness, hygiene as well as social relationships, changes in food intake, sleeping schedule, a decrease in physical activity and the onset of sexual dysfunctions. A history of psychiatric treatment and an increase in self-harm as well as an increase in alcohol and tobacco consumption were also found to be associated with psychological distress. Experienced lifestyle and behavioral changes and their impact on mental health were apparent throughout the obtained data, highlighting the need for psychological support in the studied population. Based on the results we were able to establish a list of protective and risk factors influencing the everyday life and psychological wellbeing of students amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, which could also be translated into life skills.

Suggested Citation

  • Karolina Fila-Witecka & Adrianna Senczyszyn & Agata Kołodziejczyk & Marta Ciułkowicz & Julian Maciaszek & Błażej Misiak & Dorota Szcześniak & Joanna Rymaszewska, 2021. "Lifestyle Changes among Polish University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-19, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:18:p:9571-:d:633379
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Anna Bokszczanin & Olga Gladysh & Anna Bronowicka & Marek Palace, 2023. "Experience of Ethnic Discrimination, Anxiety, Perceived Risk of COVID-19, and Social Support among Polish and International Students during the Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(7), pages 1-15, March.
    2. Karolina Fila-Witecka & Monika Malecka & Adrianna Senczyszyn & Tomasz Wieczorek & Mieszko Wieckiewicz & Dorota Szczesniak & Patryk Piotrowski & Joanna Rymaszewska, 2022. "Sleepless in Solitude—Insomnia Symptoms Severity and Psychopathological Symptoms among University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-18, February.
    3. Maria Ferrara & Elisa Langiano & Lavinia Falese & Pierluigi Diotaiuti & Cristina Cortis & Elisabetta De Vito, 2022. "Changes in Physical Activity Levels and Eating Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Sociodemographic Analysis in University Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-17, May.
    4. Aureliusz Andrzej Kosendiak & Bartosz Adamczak & Sylwiusz Kontek & Zofia Kuźnik & Michał Roman & Michał Gostkowski & Arkadiusz Niedziółka, 2023. "Level of Physical Activity, Sleep Quality and Use of Personal Protective Equipment of Students at Wroclaw Medical University during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-28, January.
    5. Alicja Monika Jodczyk & Przemysław Seweryn Kasiak & Natalia Adamczyk & Joanna Gębarowska & Zuzanna Sikora & Grzegorz Gruba & Artur Mamcarz & Daniel Śliż, 2022. "PaLS Study: Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs Usage among Polish University Students in the Context of Stress Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-12, January.
    6. Yi Liu & Zhigang Li, 2023. "International Research Review and Teaching Improvement Measures of College Students’ Learning Psychology under the Background of COVID-19," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-15, May.
    7. Yasir Abbasi & Marie-Claire Van Hout & Mohamed Faragalla & Lynn Itani, 2022. "Knowledge and Use of Electronic Cigarettes in Young Adults in the United Arab Emirates, Particularly during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-12, June.
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