Changes in Lifestyle Behaviors, Coping Mechanisms, and Self-Prevention Behaviors of University Students and Employees during Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Aim: To determine the changes in lifestyle behaviors, coping mechanisms, and self- prevention behaviors of the students and employees of a higher education institution during the COVID-19 pandemic and determine if significant differences exist between groups on the constructs identified. Methods: This was a descriptive-comparative study. A questionnaire on lifestyle behaviors, coping mechanisms, and self-prevention behaviors was developed, validated, and pilot tested. This questionnaire was administered to 214 students and 116 employees during the 2nd semester of AY 2021-2021. Descriptive statistics and T-test were used for analyses using p<0.05 as the significance level. Results: In terms of lifestyle behaviors, dietary habits and physical activity were grossly similar before and during the pandemic for both students and employees. Sleep remains grossly similar for the employees but slightly increased or decreased for the students. All groups utilized problem-focused coping to a “medium” amount while a “little bit” for emotion-focused and avoidant coping. Commonly used coping responses are active coping (problem-focused), religion (emotion-focused), and self-distraction (avoidant). Both students and employees were found to have employed self-prevention measures to avoid being infected by COVID-19. T-test revealed a significant difference between students' and employees' changes in lifestyle behaviors (p = 0.040) and dietary habits (p = 0.042). Conclusion and Implications: The study revealed that lifestyle behaviors of both students and employees were not significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Effective coping strategies of students and employees during the crisis helped them manage the impacts of the pandemic. The study also revealed that both students and employees consciously protected themselves through adherence to health protocols.