Mental and physical health among students at a private university that held in-person classes during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective

The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have serious negative consequences on mental and physical health, which may disproportionally affect young adults. The aim of this study was to understand short-term impacts on a population of students at a college that held in-person classes during the pandemic.

Participants

This study was conducted at a moderately-sized private university in the southeastern United States where approximately 75% of students were enrolled in undergraduate degree programs and 25% in graduate degree programs.

Methods

A survey was created to assess anxiety and depression symptoms, psychotherapeutic medication use, healthy living, and coping skills. Links to the electronic form were distributed to students via email in Spring 2020 and Fall 2020. Participation was completely voluntary and responses were collected anonymously.

Results

The rate of anxiety symptoms in the study cohort was higher than the national average (31%) and increased between Spring 2020 (39%) and Fall 2020 (50%). Rates of psychotherapeutic medication use also rose, with benzodiazepine use increasing from 6% to 11% and antidepressant use increasing from 16% to 20%. Compared to the national average, fewer students in the study cohort rated their overall health as “good” or better (72-76% vs. 82%). Physical exercise, nutrition, and alcohol use worsened between Spring and Fall 2020. Problem-focused engagement was associated with significantly fewer anxiety and depression symptoms. Demographic factors such as gender, race, and sexual orientation interacted with several outcomes studied.

Conclusions

Students at a private university that held in-person classes during the COVID-19 pandemic reported high rates of anxiety that increased between Spring and Fall 2020. Self-reported physical health was below average in Spring 2020 but improved in Fall 2020. Appropriate identification and management of the effects of pandemic-related stressors is critical during this uncertain time.

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2022.2052074 .

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• mental health
• coping
• university
• students

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, SS, upon reasonable request.

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the United States of America and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of High Point University.

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.