Lifestyle Experiences and Coping During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study from Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted significant lifestyle changes worldwide. Despite extensive research on negative impacts, there’s a gap in understanding positive transitions; thus, this study explores adaptive behaviors and coping strategies during the pandemic in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study recruited Saudi residents aged 18-70 via social media. Data collected through an electronic survey tool was analyzed using SPSS, focusing on demographic, health-related, and research-specific responses. Coping behaviors were interpreted using Lazarus and Folkman’s model and Carver’s Brief COPE framework. Results: Among 3,508 participants, 38.0% engaged in language learning and 55.6% read books or listened to audiobooks at a frequency of 1–3 times per month. Home cooking was reported by 79.2%, and 34.8% engaged in daily remote social interactions. Gender and nationality significantly influenced coping behaviors: reading books or audiobooks was more common among females (P<0.001) and non-Saudis (P<0.001), while exercising 2–4 days per week was also more prevalent among females (P=0.013). Programming interest was significantly higher among males and Saudi participants (P=0.035). Conclusions: Study Findings show that participants adopted a variety of adaptive coping strategies, such as book reading, exercise, social interaction, and engagement with online content. Framing these behaviors through established psychological coping models enhances understanding of their role in mental well-being. These findings can inform public health strategies to promote positive coping mechanisms and support mental well-being in Saudi Arabia and similar contexts.