Quality of Life of Indian Youth during 3rd Year of COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 adversely impacted the overall well-being of the youth like others. Perceived Quality of Life (QoL) is one of the determinants of the effective involvement of youth in their studies and career success. No Indian study reported on the QoL of youth. Given this background, the present study attempted to examine the perceived QoL of Indian Youth during 3rd year of COVID-19 pandemic and its association with their background, perceived stress, worries, online teaching mode and physical activities. Seven hypotheses were formulated for verification. Data were collected using a specially designed Structured Questionnaire and WHO QoL Questionnaire after ascertaining the face validity. A group of 334 youth aged between 21-24 participated in the online study (Mean age: 22.51; SD: 2.154). Findings disclosed that the overall QoL of 19.16% (64/334) of youth was poor, while it was average for 19.16% (64/334) and high for 20.7% (69/334) youth. However, male and female youth differed significantly with respect to physical QoL only (p < 0.000). The youth who perceived stress from attending continuous online classes and staying at home had lower scores in all four domains of QoL (p < 0.001). The findings also confirmed an association between worries about future careers and catching COVID-19 and QoL. The effectiveness of the online teaching mode and clarification of queries were positively associated with QoL (p < 0.001). Interestingly, social support from family members and friends and physical exercise were found to be stress relieving and reflected in overall improved QoL (p < 0.001). The study's findings talk about promoting physical activities and introducing institution-based mental health support facilities for the youth who lack support facilities.