Changes in Daily Life, Physical Activity, GAD, Depression, and Personal Hygiene of Adolescents in South Korea Due to the COVID-19

Abstract

This study used raw data obtained from the Adolescents’ Health Behavior Survey by government-affiliated agency open data. A total of 109,796 students were sampled. A comparative analysis was performed based on the year 2020 and when the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, in which we analyzed changes in adolescents’ depression and panic anxiety perception and dietary habits, physical factors, physical activity, and handwashing habits. There was no weight control in the second year compared to the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and obesity also increased. The continuation of the non-contact situation caused by COVID-19 led to a worsening of subjective health awareness, and the experience of generalized anxiety disorder, depression, sadness and hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts and attempts increased. The frequency of washing hands with soap before meals and after using the toilet at school or at home was reduced. As a result of this analysis, we believe that there needs to be a system of support in place to address the academic gaps and deficiencies in learning caused by COVID-19, and that psychological and emotional support needs to be strengthened at this time, as well as the issues to be supported after the end of the non-contact situation.

Students’ Skills and Experiences Using Information and Communication Technologies in Remote Physical Education Lessons

“…A study conducted by Troiano's [59] team indicated that 42% of children aged 6-11 years in America met the recommended 60 min per day PA norm, whereas only 8% of adolescents reached this norm, and similar data were found in Australia [60]. Much research has estimated that students' decline in physical activity during the pandemic period was negatively associated with a lack of psychological wellbeing, depression, and sadness [49,61,62], which can indirectly lead to reduced academic performance [63,64].…”