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The Impact of COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures on the Self-Reported Exercise Behaviors and Mental Health of College Students

Author

Listed:
  • Justin A. DeBlauw

    (Health and Human Physiological Sciences, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA)

  • Mary Stenson

    (Applied Human Sciences, University of Minnesota-Duluth, Duluth, MN 55812, USA)

  • Astrid Mel

    (Exercise Science, Mercy University, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522, USA)

  • Daniela German

    (Health and Human Physiological Sciences, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA)

  • Aaron Jaggernauth

    (Health and Human Physiological Sciences, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA)

  • Brian Lora

    (Health and Human Physiological Sciences, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA)

  • Noa Schabes

    (Health and Human Physiological Sciences, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA)

  • Raymani Walker

    (Health and Human Physiological Sciences, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA)

  • Farouq Yusuf

    (Health and Human Physiological Sciences, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA)

  • Stephen J. Ives

    (Health and Human Physiological Sciences, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, USA)

Abstract

The public-health restrictions (e.g., remote learning, restricted access to facilities and dining halls) put in place by colleges to reduce the spread of COVID-19 resulted in forced isolation and modifications to health-related behaviors. The restrictions and uncertainty associated with COVID-19 may have exacerbated the challenges of meeting exercise recommendations and mental-health concerns. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of restrictions on students’ exercise habits and their levels of anxiety, stress, and depression. Five-hundred and forty students completed a 29-question survey on individual demographics, living arrangements, exercise, sleep, diet, and mental health. Significant changes in weekly days of exercise and intensity were reported. Increases in anxiety, stress, and depression were reported. The two most frequently reported changes in exercise behavior were an increase in minutes of aerobic training (5%) and a combination of reduced minutes of aerobic and resistance training (3.9%), which could be reflective of an individual’s ability and/or desire to maintain exercise behavior during the restrictions. Alternatively, for those students who reduced their exercise habits, aerobic training (11%) was the mode that suffered the most. Demographic factors such as ethnicity, regional residence, and gender were found to have significant effects on stress, anxiety, and depression. Amidst pandemics and future health emergencies, colleges should prioritize establishing opportunities for students to exercise, helping them meet physical activity recommendations and combat mental-health issues.

Suggested Citation

  • Justin A. DeBlauw & Mary Stenson & Astrid Mel & Daniela German & Aaron Jaggernauth & Brian Lora & Noa Schabes & Raymani Walker & Farouq Yusuf & Stephen J. Ives, 2023. "The Impact of COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures on the Self-Reported Exercise Behaviors and Mental Health of College Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(24), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:24:p:7163-:d:1297889
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Raffaella Cancello & Davide Soranna & Gaia Zambra & Antonella Zambon & Cecilia Invitti, 2020. "Determinants of the Lifestyle Changes during COVID-19 Pandemic in the Residents of Northern Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-14, August.
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