NAVIGATING PANDEMIC DISRUPTIONS: A THEMATIC ANALYSIS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS' MENTAL HEALTH AND BEHAVIORAL CHANGES AMIDST COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of educational institutions worldwide in an effort to curb the spread of the virus.This unprecedented shift profoundly impacted college students, triggering various challenges.Studies reveal that college students experienced heightened levels of psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and disruptive changes in health-related behaviors.This qualitative study examines the experiences of 159 college students (29 males and 130 females) aged between 19 and 29 during the first weeks of April 2020 in Turkey.Participants completed sociodemographic information forms and wrote about how the pandemic affected their lives and health behaviors.They were analyzed using thematic analysis, providing insight into how the pandemic influenced their well-being.The findings revealed several key themes, including notable changes in daily health behaviors.Students reported alterations in their eating habits, sleep routines, exercise, personal hygiene, and adherence to social distancing measures.These behavioral changes were closely linked to various psychological factors.A significant portion of the participants experienced emotional symptoms such as stress, anxiety, and depression.Many also reported cognitive difficulties and somatic symptoms.Participants highlighted their challenges in coping with these behavioral and psychological changes.A common theme was the lack of access to social support systems during the lockdown, which made it difficult for students to manage their distress.Feelings of isolation and disconnection from their usual support networks further exacerbated their emotional struggles.However, while these changes were more intense in the initial stages of the pandemic, many participants reported a gradual adaptation to their new circumstances as time passed.Despite the restrictions, students demonstrated resilience by maintaining a sense of normalcy.Some participants engaged in home-based activities such as cooking, establishing daily routines, using relaxation techniques, journaling, and exercising indoors.Others found ways to maintain social connections, using phone or video calls to communicate with loved ones.These adaptive strategies helped alleviate some initial distress and promoted psychological resilience over time.In conclusion, this study underscores the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on college students' psychological well-being and health behaviors.The findings highlight the importance of providing mental health support to students during crises and suggest that adaptive behaviors, such as maintaining routines and social connections, play a crucial role in mitigating the negative psychological effects of pandemic-related disruptions.