Psychosocial and Physical Predictors of Stress in University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Observational Study

Abstract

Currently, university students are at a high risk of stress due to university adjustment, educational interruption, and alterations in daily life because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined the relationship of psychosocial and physical factors with stress in university students during the pandemic. Demographic, psychosocial, physical, and self-perceived stress level information were obtained from 409 Thailand university students. A multiple regression analysis was performed, with stress level as the dependent variable and gender, age, study period, study program, social support, self-esteem, health literacy, health behavior score, sedentary behavior, and physical activity (PA) as independent variables. Most participants had moderate stress levels (68.9%), high self-esteem (83.9%) and social support (66.5%), fair health literacy (41.1%) and health behavior (32%), sedentary lifestyle (85.3%), and PA-levels lower than 600 min per week (57.46%). The regression analysis showed that 45.7% of the variability in stress level was predicted by self-esteem, study period, social support, travel domain of PA, and health behavior. COVID-19 and the attendant restrictions resulted in moderate levels of stress in Thailand university students. High self-esteem, long duration of study, great social support, and having healthy behavior may contribute to the prevention of stress in this population.

Knowledge and attitude toward oral health behavior of overseas students during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…As a result, their intake of sweets and sugary drinks has increased, and they might even consume these items during study time [ 22 ]. Additionally, previous research has shown that students experienced stress increases during the COVID-19 lockdown due to heavy workloads and long hours spent in front of their computers [ 23 , 24 ]. This stress may also contribute to unhealthy eating habits, such as snacking on sweets and consuming sugary drinks while studying late at night [ 22 ].…”