HHP-7 Pre- and Post-effects of COVID-19 on College Students
Abstract
We studied the mental and physical effects of Covid-19 on college students ranging from 18-23 years of age. Individuals were surveyed on their physical and mental health both pre- and post-COVID. The questions were based on how COVID-19 made them feel from beginning to end and how it changed them. Participants reported overall good health prior to the start of COVID. Findings showed that mental health slightly improved at the start of the pandemic due to students not having to contend with commutes and in-person instruction. Participants reported that a slow but steady decline in both physical and mental health during the pandemic which they attributed to sedentary lifestyle and feelings of isolation. Those inflicted with the disease reported symptoms including memory and concentration issues, chest tightness, depression, insomnia, heart palpitations, dizziness, joint pain, anxiety, and respiratory problems. Interestingly, when surveyed on their current state, 46 percent of participants reported overall significant improved physical health post-COVID, but only slightly improved mental health, compared to their pre-COVID mental health state. Our study highlights the longer-term effects of COVID-19 among college students and the need for continued support on campuses and within the community for this age cohort.
Keywords
COVID-19 College Students Health
HHP-7 Pre- and Post-effects of COVID-19 on College Students
University Readiness Center Greatroom
We studied the mental and physical effects of Covid-19 on college students ranging from 18-23 years of age. Individuals were surveyed on their physical and mental health both pre- and post-COVID. The questions were based on how COVID-19 made them feel from beginning to end and how it changed them. Participants reported overall good health prior to the start of COVID. Findings showed that mental health slightly improved at the start of the pandemic due to students not having to contend with commutes and in-person instruction. Participants reported that a slow but steady decline in both physical and mental health during the pandemic which they attributed to sedentary lifestyle and feelings of isolation. Those inflicted with the disease reported symptoms including memory and concentration issues, chest tightness, depression, insomnia, heart palpitations, dizziness, joint pain, anxiety, and respiratory problems. Interestingly, when surveyed on their current state, 46 percent of participants reported overall significant improved physical health post-COVID, but only slightly improved mental health, compared to their pre-COVID mental health state. Our study highlights the longer-term effects of COVID-19 among college students and the need for continued support on campuses and within the community for this age cohort.