Analysis on the Change of College Students' Life Pattern and its Impact during the COVID-19 Outbreak in China

Abstract

Objectives: Our objective was to analyze changes in lifestyle patterns of Chinese college students at home during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: According to a structured online questionnaire covering socio- demographic information, anthropometric data, and changes in food intake, physical activity, and sleep during the COVID-19 outbreak, the relationships between the above data before and during the outbreak were analyzed. Results: Among the 781 participants, 38.5% had significantly increased their total food intake and 29.1% had significantly decreased their physical activity. Overall, 44% of participants reported weight gain. The average weight gain was 0.7±2.5 kg. The main causes of weight gain were increased food intake (p < .001), decreased physical activity (p < .01), and an excessive increase or reduction in sleep duration (p < .024). Conclusion: During the COVID-19 outbreak, college students' food intake was found to be increased and physical activity decreased; sleep duration was irregular, and all these factors influenced weight gain.