Association between physical activity and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

Authors

  • Ana Tereza de Sousa Brito Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Ceará, Departamento de Educação Física, Juazeiro do Norte, Ceará, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6382-5374
  • Deborah Santana Pereira Pereira Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Ceará, Departamento de Educação Física, Juazeiro do Norte, Ceará, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8377-4874
  • Maria do Socorro Cirilo-Sousa Universidade Regional do Cariri, Departamento Educação Física, Crato, Ceará, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5566-3248
  • Anthony Pedro Igor Sales Rolim Esmeraldo Universidade Regional do Cariri, Departamento Educação Física, Crato, Ceará, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3404-0233
  • Matheus Luna Loiola Universidade Regional do Cariri, Departamento Educação Física, Crato, Ceará, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9780-0466
  • Narcélio Pinheiro Victor Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Ceará, Departamento de Educação Física, Juazeiro do Norte, Ceará, Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7022-9861

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12820/rbafs.27e0298

Keywords:

COVID-19, Physical exercise, Anxiety, Depression

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the cross-sectional association between levels of physical activity and symptoms of anxiety and depression. An online questionnaire was prepared on Google Forms® with objective and open questions to evaluate the issues related to physical activity and mental health during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The form included questions related to sociodemographic aspects, physical activity level (IPAQ – short version) and analysis of the participants’ mental health using the Beck Anxiety and Depression scales. The association between physical activity and mental health was estimated using regression models. One hundred and ninety-three people responded to the questionnaire (59% female). Women had higher levels of anxiety and depression when compared to men (p < 0.001 for all domains). The risk of having severe anxiety and depressive symptoms increased respectively (OR = 4.20; 95%CI: 1.25 - 14.11), and (OR = 3.16; 95%CI: 1.12 - 8.91) in participants classified as having a low level of physical activity when compared to those who maintain the highest level. Men are less likely to have anxiety symptoms (OR = 0.23; 95%CI: 0.10 - 0.55) and depression (OR = 0.33; 95%CI: 0.12 - 0.88). In summary, it can be concluded that participants who achieved a high level of physical activity are less likely to have symptoms of severe anxiety and moderate symptoms of depression.

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Published

2023-05-26

How to Cite

1.
Brito AT de S, Pereira DSP, Cirilo-Sousa M do S, Esmeraldo APISR, Loiola ML, Victor NP. Association between physical activity and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study. Rev. Bras. Ativ. Fís. Saúde [Internet]. 2023 May 26 [cited 2024 Jul. 3];28:1-8. Available from: https://rbafs.org.br/RBAFS/article/view/14996

Issue

Vol. 28 (2023)

Section

Original Articles

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