The COVID-19 pandemic and the everyday lives of Slovak and Polish medical students

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected students’ lifestyles, including physical activity, diet, and mental well-being. Previous research indicates that students are particularly vulnerable to lifestyle disruptions during health crises. This study aimed to students’ retrospective perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic and the everyday life of Slovak and Polish medical students.Theory The study is based on the assumption that health behaviors, stress, and quality of life are interrelated and influenced by external factors such as pandemic-related restrictions and social changes.Method A total of 635 nursing and medical students from Poland and Slovakia were surveyed. Data were collected using an original questionnaire and standardized tools: IPAQ, Fagerström Test, AUDIT-C, PSS-10, and WHOQOL-BREF.Results During the pandemic, 29.29% of students reported low, 31.65% moderate, and 38.90% high physical activity (p < 0.001). Physical activity correlated positively with quality of life (Slovakia: R = 0.43; p < 0.01) and negatively with stress (Slovakia: R = –0.46; Poland: R = –0.42; p < 0.01). Regular meal patterns increased (Slovakia 59.31%; Poland 39.68%), as did snacking (up to 79.41%). Alcohol consumption decreased during the pandemic (38.27% vs. 54.02%), as did smoking (15.43% vs. 19.69%). Most students reported moderate or high quality of life (∼66%).Discussion The findings suggest that lifestyle factors are associated with students’ mental well-being. Promoting physical activity, healthy dietary habits, and psychological support may contribute to student well-being during and after health crises.