Change in college student health and wellbeing profiles as a function of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective The COVID-19 pandemic has potential for long-lasting effects on college students' wellbeing. We examine changes from just before to during the pandemic in indicators of health and well-being and comprehensive profiles of health and well-being, along with links between covariates and profiles during the pandemic. Participants 1,004 students participated in a longitudinal study that began in November 2019. Methods Latent class analysis identified health and well-being profiles at both waves; covariates were included in relation to class membership. Results Mental health problems increased, whereas substance use, sexual behavior, physical inactivity, and food insecurity decreased. Six well-being classes were identified at each wave. Baseline class membership, sociodemographic characteristics, living situation, ethnicity, coping strategies, and belongingness were associated with profile membership at follow-up. Conclusions COVID-19 has had significant and differential impacts on today's students; their health and well-being should be considered holistically when understanding and addressing long-term effects of this pandemic.