Occupational performance of undergraduate health students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2238-6149.v36e236216

Keywords:

COVID-19, Role Playing, Students, Occupational Therapy, University

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, with its changes and challenges, has highlighted losses in the occupational performance of university students. This study assessed the occupational performance of undergraduates in the health field and the associated factors during the pandemic. This is a cross-sectional study carried out with 605 students from a public university. Data collection took place between 2021 and 2022, through a virtual platform that included sociodemographic, academic and health information, a Checklist to assess occupational performance and the DASS-21 for symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress. Univariate (mean, median and proportions), bivariate (chi-square test) and multivariate (Poisson regression) analyses were used. Occupational performance was average in 53.6% of the students. Most had difficulty with education and rest and sleep. Poor occupational performance was associated with lack of friends, health problems, lower income and severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Female students, those with lower incomes and students who worked remotely were more likely to have worse occupational performance. The study provides evidence that guides and disseminates care processes related to the implications for the occupational performance of university students.

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Author Biographies

  • Fernanda Capella Rugno, Federal University of Paraná

    Possui Graduação em Terapia Ocupacional pela Universidade Estadual Paulista "Júlio de Mesquita Filho", UNESP (2008-2011), Mestrado em Oncologia pela Fundação PIO XII - Hospital de Câncer de Barretos (2012-2013), pós graduação lato sensu em Dor pelo Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (2013) e Doutorado em Saúde Pública pela Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo (EERP-USP) (2014-2017).

  • Vanda Maria da Rosa Jardim, Federal University of Pelotas

    Enfermeira pela Universidade Federal de Pelotas - UFPEL - (1985), Mestre e Doutora em Enfermagem - área de concentração: Filosofia, Saúde e Sociedade pela Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina - UFSC - (1997). 

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Published

2026-11-10

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Sturbelle, N. F., Rugno, F. C., & Jardim, V. M. da R. (2026). Occupational performance of undergraduate health students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Revista De Terapia Ocupacional Da Universidade De São Paulo, 36, e236216. https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2238-6149.v36e236216