Correlations of university students' feelings during the COVID-19 pandemic with academic adaptation and quality of life

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the feelings experienced by university students during the COVID-19 pandemic and its correlation with academic adaptation and quality of life (QoL). Through a cross-sectional and correlational design, 90 university students completed a questionnaire about feelings, academic adaptation, and QoL during the pandemic. Spearman's correlation was used to identify the correlation between the feelings of academic adaptation and quality of life. Multiple linear regression models were used to identify the predictors of feelings of academic adaptation and the physical and mental components of the quality of life. Good academic adaptation and good QoL scores were identified in the sample. During the pandemic period, students experienced feelings of exhaustion, discouragement, irritation, exhaustion, insecurity, drowsiness, anxiety, worry, and tiredness with greater intensity. Positive feelings, such as energy and willingness, were reported as well. The feelings could predict variations in academic adaptation and physical and mental health. Additionally, a greater correlation of feelings was identified with the QoL domains related to the individual's perception of mental health. The results of this study highlight that, in the context of public health emergencies, investments are needed in institutional policies to support students, avoid difficulties in academic adaptation that impact dropout, and avoid the emergence or worsening of disorders such as anxiety and depression.