Abstract:

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the changes in nutrition and hygiene habits of university students and their fear levels of COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Methods: The study was conducted through an online questionnaire with the students who were studying at Sakarya University Health Services Vocational School and Health Sciences University Hamidiye Vocational School of Health between May-June 2020 and accepted to participate in the study. The data were analyzed in SPSS 21 program, p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: 534 of the students were female and the mean age was 20.25±1.99 (18.00-37.00) years, and 412 of the students were studying in the first grade. While 84 of the students had a chronic disease, 68 of them had a diagnosed mental illness, and 73 students were constantly using medication due to these diseases. The mean Nutritional Habits Index (BAI) was 11.84±3.92 (0-22.00); The nutritional habits of the students were found to be at moderate risk. The mean score of the COVID-19 fear scale was found to be 16.38±5.80 (7.00-35.00), and it was determined that the students were moderately afraid of COVID-19. When the relationship between BAI and fear of COVID-19 scale was evaluated; It was determined that there was a positive, strong and statistically significant relationship between students' BAI score average and COVID-19 fear score (p=0.005; r=0.109). Conclusion: In our study, the risk level of students' eating habits was found to be moderately risky and they were found to be moderately afraid of COVID-19. In addition, a positive, strong and statistically significant relationship was found between the BAI score average and the fear of COVID-19 score. It is thought that students should develop healthy living habits and strategies to cope with anxiety.

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