A Comparative Study Regarding the Impact of Covid-19 on Latin American College Students

Pérez M.A.; Durón-Ramos M.F.; De La Cruz-Vargas J.A.; Chacon-Andrade E.; Mills G.; Perez K.J.; Ahumada C.E.A.; Garcia L.D.R.; Rodríguez V.C.R.; Navarro A.P. · Salud Uninorte (2023) · DOI: 10.14482/sun.39.01.618.723

Resumen

COVID-19 has changed educational opportunities for students around the world, and, in the process, affected their lifestyle, happiness, and engagement. The present research is part of a project from six universities in different countries across Latin America to examine the impact of COVID-19 on university students. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the impact of COVID-19 on lifestyle changes, orientations to happiness, and student engagement among a sample of college students in Mexico, El Salvador, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Peru, and the US. Methods: Participants were 1764 students from the six previously identified countries. Data were collected using the Student Health Behavior Inventory, the Orientations to Happiness Scale, and the University Student Engagement Inventory. Results: Student respondents were mostly female, with a median age of 22. Most reported no changes in academic performance and statistically significant changes in some lifestyle behaviors such as nutrition and physical activity. Conclusions: The global pandemic led to behavioral changes among college students in Latin America, and it affected their orientations to happiness and engagement. Institutions of higher learning are called to create opportunities for their students to reintegrate into an in-person learning environment to facilitate positive lifestyle changes for their students.

Instituciones: Universidad Ricardo Palma