Effect of Online Classes on Physical and Mental Well-Being of Students During Covid-19

Context: The coronavirus has shut down all schools and universities over the globe. With idiosyncratic upsurge of online learning, nowadays, teaching is undertaken remotely on digital platforms by the use of laptops and mobile phones. Many researches have shown that the excessive or prolonged use of screens can impact mental and physical health. The mental and physical affections include stress, depression, sleep disorders, impact on eyesight, postural pain, hand disabilities, and musculoskeletal disorders. Aims: The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of online classes on the mental and physical well-being of students due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Settings and Design: The survey was conducted on an online mode through Google forms. All gender college-going students within the age group of 18–25 years undergoing online classes for a minimum of 1 month were included in the study. Subjects and Methods: The assessment of mental health was done using the Perceived Mental Stress Test Scale (Psychological Stress Test) and the Patient Health Questionnaire, whereas for the assessment of the physical health, the Neck disability index, and the Oswestry low back pain disability index was used. Statistical Analysis Used: Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient was applied to find the correlation between the duration of online classes and stress, depression, neck, and back disability. Results: A significant effect of online classes was found on the mental and physical health of students, 57.3% of population had moderate stress, 32% of population had mild depression, 48% of population had mild neck pain, and 41.3% of population moderate back pain. Conclusion: Students' mental and physical health has been affected as a result of longer duration spent online on laptops and phones for classes.