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Physical Activity, Life Satisfaction, Stress Perception and Coping Strategies of University Students in Belarus during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Andrei Shpakou

    (Department of Integrated Medical Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Białystok, Poland)

  • Ihar A. Naumau

    (Department of General Hygiene and Ecology, Grodno State Medical University, 230009 Grodno, Belarus)

  • Tatyana Yu. Krestyaninova

    (Department of Psychology, Vitebsk State University Named after P.M. Masherov, 210038 Vitebsk, Belarus)

  • Alena V. Znatnova

    (Department of Physical Education and Sports, Belarusian State Pedagogical University Named after Maxim Tank, 220030 Minsk, Belarus)

  • Svetlana V. Lollini

    (Department of Ecological and Preventive Medicine, Vitebsk State Order of Peoples’ Friendship Medical University, 210009 Vitebsk, Belarus)

  • Sergei Surkov

    (Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Brest State A.S. Pushkin University, 224016 Brest, Belarus)

  • Aleh Kuzniatsou

    (Institute of Biochemistry of Biologically Active Compounds of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, 230023 Grodno, Belarus)

Abstract

The COVID-19 restrictions in Belarus turned out to be less stringent than those of its neighboring countries. Objective: We aimed to evaluate physical activity, life satisfaction, perception of stress, choice of coping strategies and their correlations among Belarusian students. An anonymous Internet survey was conducted among 1769 students studying at the faculties of physical culture (415), pedagogical (737), and medical (617) universities. International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ) and Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), and Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced (mini-COPE) questionnaires were used. The respondents declared sufficient and high levels of physical activity. The level of physical activity was correlated with life satisfaction (typically for student-athletes). The least satisfaction with life and highest level of perceived stress were among future doctors. The minimum indicator of stress was noted in athletes. The most common coping strategy was active coping. Strategies of problem avoidance and seeking support from outside were not used by student-athletes. These strategies were used by pedagogical and medical students. Student-athletes have the most favorable opportunities, followed by representatives of pedagogical and medical students. The proposed classification of the levels of behavior (optimal, acceptable, satisfactory and risky) makes it possible to adjust lifestyles.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrei Shpakou & Ihar A. Naumau & Tatyana Yu. Krestyaninova & Alena V. Znatnova & Svetlana V. Lollini & Sergei Surkov & Aleh Kuzniatsou, 2022. "Physical Activity, Life Satisfaction, Stress Perception and Coping Strategies of University Students in Belarus during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-21, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:14:p:8629-:d:863562
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    References listed on IDEAS

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