Abstract
To investigate the COVID-19 pandemic related alteration of health promoting behaviour during lockdown among medical students compared to other students.In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 1940 Bavarian students. Participants were asked to complete an online questionnaire 3 weeks after lockdown implementation, evaluating their lifestyle behaviour focusing on self-reported and objectively assessed physical activity.1154 medical (59.5%) and 786 non-medical (40.5%) students were included (median age 22.0 [IQR, 20.0–25.0], 71.5% female). Physical activity decreased in both groups after lockdown implementation. During lockdown, medical students reported higher physical activity levels compared to non-medical students. This was corroborated by daily step count data assessed by wearables (median steps per day [IQR], 6979 [5218–9348] versus 6581 [4497–8491], p = 0.02). Smoking behaviour during lockdown did not differ between medical and non-medical students (increased in 11.8% vs 13.6%, decreased in 31.9% versus 36.9%).During the COVID-19 pandemic, alteration of lifestyle behaviour among medical students was significantly different compared to non-medical students. This result suggests that medical students are more concerned about health promoting behaviour even in crisis situations.
Highlights
Lockdowns implemented by governments all over the world during the current COVID-19 pandemic highly affected most people’s daily life
High Physical activity (PA) levels have been found to correlate with academic achievements among medical students [2] and to reduce stress levels [3]
Changes to smoking behaviour were similar: 11.8% of medical students vs. 13.6% non-medical students increased and 31.9% and 36.9%, respectively, decreased smoking
Summary
Lockdowns implemented by governments all over the world during the current COVID-19 pandemic highly affected most people’s daily life. In Bavaria, the COVID19 crisis hit during semester break. Bavaria was affected more severely by COVID-19 than other areas in Germany. Lockdown was implemented by the local government on the March 21, 2020 and included mandatory. Physical activity (PA) is regarded crucial for physical and mental health in young and matured adults. A reduction of PA in the general population has been suspected during the COVID-19 crisis and could result in an increased cardiovascular risk [1]. High PA levels have been found to correlate with academic achievements among medical students [2] and to reduce stress levels [3]. Smoking habits vary widely between genders and countries [4] but are usually lower among medical students.
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