engleski

University Students' Lifestyle and Physical Activity during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The altered lifestyle and insufficient physical activity of students in the Republic of Croatian studying under the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic can have a negative effect on their academic and health experiences. The overall low mood and health problems can be consequences of the effects of isolation during the pandemic. Therefore, it is necessary to place greater focus not only on the psychological and mental consequences of the pandemic but on the physical and kinesiology activities and habits of young people as well, particularly owing to reduced socialization. The aim of this research, within the framework of promoting mental health and a healthy lifestyle, is to examine the degree of students’ agreement with the offered statements of their general mood and lifestyle under the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic with particular emphasis on their physical and kinesiology activity. For this purpose, a Questionnaire for students on coping with emergency situations and circumstances brought upon the COVID-19 pandemic was prepared. The questionnaire was distributed online to 153 students of the Faculty of Teacher Education in Zagreb. Through quantitative analysis of frequencies, the questionnaire statements were interpreted and grouped. The results show that students’ mood during the COVID-19 pandemic was mostly negatively affected. They also indicate a presence of student awareness and expressed need for physical activity in order to avoid increased negative moods. After online classes, students do not have sufficient energy for physical activities in their free time. They assess conditions for kinesiology activities as much worse during the pandemic, although students who were not involved in kinesiology activities in the pre-pandemic time actually wanted to become involved in some type of kinesiology activity. The results indicate that, in the time leading to the post-pandemic period, higher education institutions should provide possibilities for increased physical and kinesiology activities along with making available effective counselling and guidance in order to find adequate solutions for academic, health and career challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 pandemic ; Mental health ; Mood ; Physical and kinesiology activities ; Students

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