Investigating changes in lifestyle behaviors of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences students during the COVID-19 pandemic
Journal of Behdasht dar Arseh (i.e., Health in the Field),
Vol. 13 No. 2 (1404),
4 January 2026
,
Page 60-67
https://doi.org/10.22037/jhf.v13i2.49099
Abstract
Background and Aims: With the prolonged course of the COVID-19 pandemic, human lifestyles were profoundly affected. This study aimed to determine the changes in lifestyle-related behaviors among students at Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the period before it.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 170 students who were randomly selected in 2024. Data were collected using a standardized lifestyle-related behavior questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 22, employing independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA. All ethical considerations were carefully observed throughout all stages of the study.
Results: The mean lifestyle change score among the students was 5.32 ± 0.432, with a range from –12 to 20. The findings indicated that lifestyle-related behavioral changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared with the pre-pandemic period, differed significantly by educational level (P = 0.004), father’s occupation (P = 0.001), and age (P = 0.045). Moreover, compared to the period before the pandemic, students reported increases in snack consumption (55.3%, n = 94), sedentary time (81.2%, n = 138), sleep duration (69.4%, n = 118), stress and anxiety levels (65.9%, n = 112), and intake of immune-boosting foods (62.4%, n = 106).
Conclusion: Therefore, appropriate planning aimed at reducing stress and anxiety and promoting students’ mental health is recommended. In addition, providing proper nutritional education and counseling, particularly for younger students, is strongly suggested.
- COVID-19
- Lifestyle-related behaviors
- Medical students
- Rafsanjan
How to Cite
References
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