Work

Change in college student health and well-being profiles as a function of the COVID-19 pandemic

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic has potential for long-lasting effects on college students' well-being. We examine changes from just before to during the pandemic in indicators of health and well-being and comprehensive profiles of health and well-being, along with links between covariates and profiles during the pandemic. PARTICIPANTS: 1,004 students participated in a longitudinal study that began in November 2019. METHODS: Latent class analysis identified health and well-being profiles at both waves; covariates were included in relation to class membership. RESULTS: Mental health problems increased, whereas substance use, sexual behavior, physical inactivity, and food insecurity decreased. Six well-being classes were identified at each wave. Baseline class membership, sociodemographic characteristics, living situation, ethnicity, coping strategies, and belongingness were associated with profile membership at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 has had significant and differential impacts on today's students; their health and well-being should be considered holistically when understanding and addressing long-term effects of this pandemic.

Source: PLoS ONE

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0267724

Authors: Stephanie T. Lanza, Courtney A. Whetzel, Ashley N. Linden-Carmichael, Craig J. Newschaffer

Institution: Pennsylvania State University

Language: English

Topic: COVID-19 and Mental Health

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,805