Time allocation before and during enhanced community quarantine among students in a university in Manila, Philippines

Abstract

Background: The Philippines implemented the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) to contain the COVID-19 virus through home quarantine for all households. Classes in all education institutions were suspended which has disrupted normal everyday life of students.

Objectives: Following the implementation of these guidelines, this study aimed to understand and describe the time allocation of students in a university in Manila, Philippines before and during the ECQ.

Methodology: A total of 132 student respondents were involved in the survey which requested them to indicate the minimum allocated time for various academic, health, lifestyle, and social activities. A Wilcoxon-Signed Ranks test was used to determine the differences of time allocation before and during the ECQ.

Results: A significant percentage decrease among academics (-9.08%), travel (-5.56%), and shopping (-0.64%) is found. Moreover, significant percent increase is seen in activities namely rest and relaxation (+7.34%), entertainment (+3.62%), family time (+2.44%), self-development (+0.86%), household chores (+0.83%), and hobbies (0.68%).

Conclusion: It is found that the implementation of ECQ have significantly affected the everyday life of students. Significant decreases and increases of time allocated to various activities were found due to the “new normal” situation among students. The study recommends a more in-depth look at different factors related to the pandemic that leads to the decrease and increase in the time allocated for everyday life activities of students.