Occupational balance, changes in occupations and psychological well-being of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Background Occupational balance (OB) is related to physical health as well as physical and psychological well-being (PWB). The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the occupations of people probably affecting their OB and PWB. Aims The aim of the study was to determine OB of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic and establish relationships between a. OB and changes in occupations in comparison with the pre-pandemic period as perceived by the study group, b. OB and PWB. Materials and methods An exploratory study was performed using a cross-sectional research design during the second wave of the pandemic in November 2020. 1,330 university students aged 18–30 took part in the study. The Occupational Balance Questionnaire and the Psychological General Well-Being Index were used. Three-Way ANOVA as well as Forward Stepwise Regression analyses were used, and ρ Spearman’s correlation coefficients were calculated. Results A greater OB was found in men, people studying in a small city and first year students. The respondents declared changes in the time spent on almost all occupations, especially an increase in the time spent on using the Internet and passive resting, but a decrease in the time of meetings friends. OB positively correlated with the increase in time spent on almost all occupations, except for the Internet and with PWB. Conclusions Polish university students observe that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed their daily occupations. Some of these changes may adversely affect their OB and, consequently, PWB. Significance Occupational therapists should increase students’ awareness of the importance of OB, support them in pursuing their hobbies, meeting friends, and getting sufficient sleep and physical activity.