Impact of COVID-19 on Life of Students: Case Study in Hong Kong

Albert Lee, Vera M. W. Keung, Vincent T. C. Lau, Calvin K. M. Cheung and Amelia S. C. Lo
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Albert Lee: Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 4/Floor, Lek Yuen Health Centre, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
Vera M. W. Keung: Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 4/Floor, Lek Yuen Health Centre, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
Vincent T. C. Lau: Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 4/Floor, Lek Yuen Health Centre, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
Calvin K. M. Cheung: Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 4/Floor, Lek Yuen Health Centre, Shatin, Hong Kong, China
Amelia S. C. Lo: Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 4/Floor, Lek Yuen Health Centre, Shatin, Hong Kong, China

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 19, 1-16

Abstract: COVID-19 has an impact on the day-to-day life of students, with school closure and detrimental effects on health and well-being that cannot be underestimated. A study collected data reflecting the health and well-being of secondary school students entering a programme entitled “Healthy Life Planning: Assist Students to Acquire and Practice Health Knowledge and Skills” (ASAP study) in September and October 2019 before the outbreak of COVID-19. Follow-up data were collected in June and July 2020, over half a year since the spread of COVID-19, which facilitated analyses of its impact on the health behaviours and well-being of young people. Comparative analyses between baseline and the follow-up period were conducted on weight status, sleep pattern and quality, pattern of sedentary lifestyle, pattern of physical activity, attitudes and perceived barriers for exercise, and hand hygiene. Attitudes toward precautionary measures and influenza vaccination, self-reported changes in hygiene practices, exercise habits and eating habits were analysed. Although hygiene habits and risk perceptions among young people have improved in many aspects, the level of physical activity has declined as well as the beliefs and attitudes on increasing time on electronic media and change in sleep hygiene. Attitudes and beliefs towards influenza vaccination have declined, which would reflect the slow increase in the uptake rate of COVID-19 vaccination. Health education should equip students with the knowledge and skills to cultivate beliefs and attitudes to face health challenges.

Keywords: student health; health beliefs; health attitudes; healthy lifestyles; COVID-19; hygiene precautionary measures (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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