Engagement in risky health behaviors typically observed during the transition to university may have been influenced by COVID-19 restrictions. Our assessed current and expected food consumption, physical activity, and alcohol use of first-semester students during and after COVID-19 related restrictions. Participants were first-semester students during (N = 208 participants; Mage = 20.90, SD = 4.10; 82.7% females) and after (N = 171; Mage = 21. 15, SD = 2.84; 71% female) COVID-19 restrictions. Data from two cross-sectional studies were included. Data was collected online and within the initial weeks of the semester. Current and expected food consumption and physical activity were significantly unhealthier during and healthier after the restrictions. Current and expected alcohol use was significantly lower during and higher after the restrictions. Given inconsistent cohort differences, differential strategies are needed to facilitate healthy behaviors during restrictive circumstances. Contextual factors shaping alcohol-related outcomes during periods of disruption should be addressed.
Keywords: : first-semester, COVID-19, Germany, University students, health behaviors
