Background Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the planet is going through a historical time of exceptional concern and uncertainty, which impacts people mental health. Here, we explored the levels of depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and their relation with the degree of physical activity and social interaction during the pandemic. Methods We performed a structured survey containing the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 tests to evaluate depressive symptoms and GAD levels. We also asked about weekly physical activity and the level of social interaction. We surveyed two groups of University students in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area: an internal group from the Instituto Tecnologico de Buenos Aires (ITBA), and an external group of students from multiple universities. The survey was conducted in late October/early-November 2020, after a peak of contagions. Some of the participants were surveyed again in January 2021, during academic holidays and after a valley of contagion, for longitudinal analysis Results Our data show that men and women of both groups exhibited a significant positive linear correlation between depression and GAD levels. Moreover, low levels of depression and anxiety were associated with performing physical activity for more than two days a week and to longer periods of social interaction. Finally, the second survey revealed a decrease of the symptoms. Conclusions Our results suggest that performing regular physical activity and avoiding long periods of social isolation gave benefits to mental health. We suggest that public policies could consider protecting these behaviors under health and safety standards.

BackgroundSince the irruption of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) the planet has submerged in a time of concern and uncertainty, with a direct impact on people's mental health. Moreover, the recurrent outbreaks that periodically harry different regions of the world constantly refocus people's concerns to the pandemic. Yet, each new wave heats the diverse countries in different situations, including the advances in their vaccination campaigns. In this research, we studied the levels of the general anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression in the Argentine population across the first and second waves of infections that occurred in our country.MethodsWe conducted an on-line survey, within each peak of the pandemic. People were asked to self-report GAD and depression symptoms using the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 questioners, inform their vaccination status, the frequency they performed physical activity as well as working condition and modality. Here, we identified the more vulnerable groups and evaluated factors that could mitigate the rise of these mental disorders, focusing on vaccination.ResultsOur data shows that reported GAD and depression levels were higher during the second wave than during the first one. More importantly, vaccinated people were less depressed than non-vaccinated people, while GAD levels remained equivalent in both groups. Other factors directly associated with lower GAD and depression levels were performing frequent physical activity and being employed, regardless of the employment modality. These observations were replicated in different age ranges and genders.ConclusionThis work evidences GAD and depression in different pandemic waves in Argentina, as well the factors that may contribute to reducing the magnitude of these disorders, including vaccination.

Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic impacted people’s mental health. We explored the levels of depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and their relation with physical activity and social interaction during the pandemic.   Methods We surveyed two different groups of university students to measure depression , generalized anxiety, physical activity and social interaction in two different moments of the pandemic. The survey was conducted in October/November 2020, after a peak of contagions. Some of the participants were surveyed again in January 2021 for longitudinal analysis.   Results Both mental health parameters were positively correlated for men and women.. Moreover, low levels of depression and anxiety were associated with performing physical activity for more than two days a week and to longer periods of social interaction. Finally, the second survey revealed a decrease in mental health symptoms.   Conclusions Performing regular physical activity and avoiding long periods of social isolation gave benefits to mental health.