Lifestyle in Undergraduate Students and Demographically Matched Controls during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain

Giner-Murillo, María; Atienza-Carbonell, Beatriz; Cervera-Martínez, Jose; Bobes-Bascarán, Teresa; Crespo-Facorro, Benedicto; De Boni, Raquel B.; Esteban, Cristina; García-Portilla, María Paz; Gomes-da-Costa, Susana; González-Pinto, Ana; Jaén-Moreno, María José; Kapczinski, Flavio; Ponce-Mora, Alberto; Sarramea, Fernando; Tabarés-Seisdedos, Rafael; Vieta, Eduard; Zorrilla, Iñaki; Balanzá-Martínez, Vicent

Few studies have used a multidimensional approach to describe lifestyle changes among undergraduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic or have included controls. This study aimed to evaluate lifestyle behaviors and mental health of undergraduate students and compare them with an age and sex-matched control group. A cross-sectional web survey using snowball sampling was conducted several months after the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. A sample of 221 students was recruited. The main outcome was the total SMILE-C score. Students showed a better SMILE-C score than controls (79.8 + 8.1 vs. 77.2 + 8.3; p < 0.001), although these differences disappeared after controlling for covariates. While groups did not differ in the screenings of depression and alcohol abuse, students reported lower rates of anxiety (28.5% vs. 37.1%; p = 0.042). A lower number of cohabitants, poorer self-perceived health and positive screening for depression and anxiety, or for depression only were independently associated (p < 0.05) with unhealthier lifestyles in both groups. History of mental illness and financial difficulties were predictors of unhealthier lifestyles for students, whereas totally/moderate changes in substance abuse and stress management (p < 0.05) were predictors for the members of the control group. Several months after the pandemic, undergraduate students and other young adults had similar lifestyles.