Mood And Quality Of Life During The COVID-19 Pandemic Of Buenos Aires University Students

Abstract

The onset of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in Buenos Aires brought about strict lockdown measures throughout the country. Many people were infected with SARS-CoV-2, including university students. This retrospective study, conducted from July to November 2021, aimed to assess the mood and quality of life of Buenos Aires university students during various phases of the pandemic. A total of 508 students participated, providing data on mood and quality of life before and during the two lockdown periods (March-December 2020 and April to July 2021), and the intervening periods. Results revealed significant declines in mood during the lockdown periods, with reductionsin happiness, optimism, and quality of life. Women reported higher levels of stress, fatigue, depression, anxiety, fear of COVID-19, worry, and hostility compared to men, while older students (aged 25-35) exhibited heightened anxiety and stress levels compared to younger students (aged 18-24). Limitations of the study include the sample heterogeneity and the reliance on self-report measures. Despite these limitations, the study highlights the profound impact of the pandemic on mood and quality of life of university students in Buenos Aires, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to support their mental wellbeing in future pandemics.