Mood, Quality of Life, and Immune Fitness During the COVID-19 Pandemic of Young Adults in Germany

Pauline A. Hendriksen, Pantea Kiani, Anna Helin Koyun, Johan Garssen, Ann Kathrin Stock, Joris C. Verster*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected young adults’ lives globally, including those in Germany. This study investigated mental health and quality of life during the pandemic, with a particular focus on mood. Immune fitness, the body’s capacity to respond to health challenges (such as infections) by activating an appropriate immune response, was assessed as a physical health indicator. Methods: Data were collected from 317 participants, aged 18 to 35, via an online survey conducted between November 2021 and March 2022. Participants included 103 men (32.5%) and 214 women (67.5%), with a mean age of 25.5 years (SD = 4.1). Results: Compared to pre-pandemic levels, significant declines in mood, quality of life, immune fitness, and sleep quality were observed during the lockdown periods of the COVID-19 pandemic (p < 0.0125). The most pronounced effects were observed during the second lockdown, with declines extending into the second no-lockdown period for fatigue, depression, happiness, optimism, and immune fitness (p < 0.0125). Significant sex differences were found for the magnitude of mood effects (anxiety, depression, stress). No significant differences were found according to age or occupational status (student vs. work). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown periods had a significant negative effect on the mood, immune fitness, and well-being of young adults living in Germany.

Original languageEnglish
Article number6487
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine
Volume13
Issue number21
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 by the authors.

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • immune fitness
  • lockdown
  • mood
  • quality of life
  • stress

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Mood, Quality of Life, and Immune Fitness During the COVID-19 Pandemic of Young Adults in Germany'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this