Characterizing fluid intake and physical activity in university students within the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic

• Published in: European journal of nutrition Vol. 62; no. 3; pp. 1165 - 1184
• Main Authors: Adams, William M., Zaplatosch, Mitchell E., Glenn, Shaylynn E., Butts, Cory L., Scarneo-Miller, Samantha E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.04.2023; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Alcoholic beverages; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; College students; Colleges & universities; COVID-19; COVID-19 - epidemiology; Drinking; Exercise; Female; Fluid intake; Humans; Male; Nutrition; Original Contribution; Pandemics; Physical activity; Questionnaires; Students; United States - epidemiology; Universities; University students; Young adults; United States; Water; Emerging adults; Alcohol; Exercise; Hydration
• ISSN: 1436-6207; 1436-6215
• DOI: 10.1007/s00394-022-03058-9

Purpose This study determined fluid intake and physical activity behaviors among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods College students ( n  = 1014; females, 75.6%) completed an online survey during the Spring 2020 academic semester following the initial global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Academic standing, habitation situation, and University/College responses to COVID-19 were collected. Participants completed the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire and a 15-item Beverage Questionnaire (BEVQ-15) to determine physical activity level and fluid intake behaviors, respectively. Results Females (1920 ± 960 mL) consumed significantly less fluid than males (2400 ± 1270 mL, p  < 0.001). Living off-campus ( p  < 0.01) and living with a spouse/partner ( p  < 0.01) was associated with increased consumption of alcoholic beverages. 88.7% of participants reported being at least moderately active; however, Black/African American and Asian participants were more likely to be less active than their Caucasian/White counterparts ( p  < 0.05). Participants reporting no change in habitation in response to COVID-19 had a higher fluid intake ( p  = 0.002); however, the plain water consumption remained consistent ( p  = 0.116). While there was no effect of habitation or suspension of classes on physical activity levels ( p  > 0.05), greater self-reported physical activity was associated with greater fluid intake (std. β = 0.091, p  = 0.003). Conclusions Fluid intake among college students during the initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic approximated current daily fluid intake recommendations. Associations between COVID-19-related disruptions (i.e., suspension of classes and changes in habitation) and increased alcohol intake are concerning and may suggest the need for the development of targeted strategies and programming to attenuate the execution of negative health-related behaviors in college students.