Examining the Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Lifestyle and Perceived Health among Infected and Non-Infected Hungarian Adults

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily routines, physical activity patterns, and mental health on a global scale. Mental health and subjective physical health are closely interrelated: pandemic-induced stress, social isolation, and fear have documented negative effects on both psychological and physical well-being. The objective of this study was to examine differences in lifestyle changes and perceived health – both general and mental – between Hungarian adults who had been infected with COVID-19 and those who had not, and to identify associations among key health-related indicators within both groups.

Material and Methods. A cross-sectional survey with retrospective comparison was conducted between January and August 2023 among 806 Hungarian adults recruited via convenience sampling through five universities. A validated five-part questionnaire battery was administered, covering socio-demographic characteristics, recreational habits, life satisfaction (SWLS; LSS-SF), psychological distress (DASS-42), psychological well-being (Ryff Scale – Shortest Version), and psychological capital (PCQ). The analysed sample comprised n = 780 participants (49.2% male, 50.8% female; 50% infected, 50% non-infected). Data were analysed using SPSS 26, applying descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis, with a significance threshold of alpha = 0.05.

Results. The majority of respondents rated their general health as good or excellent regardless of infection status (infected: 83.7%; non-infected: 87.7%). A strong positive correlation was found between general health perception and mental health (r = 0.649, p < .001). Lifestyle changes were reported by more than three-quarters of participants in both groups, with reduced sport participation and limited social contact as the most affected domains. Significant group differences between infected and non-infected participants were observed in several lifestyle categories.

Conclusions. COVID-19 infection was associated with specific differences in lifestyle and health perception. Subjective health remained generally positive across both groups. The findings underline the need for integrated health promotion strategies – addressing physical activity, social engagement, and mental health simultaneously – in the post-pandemic recovery of the Hungarian adult population.