Exploring Lifestyle Habits, Physical Activity, Anxiety and Basic Psychological Needs in a Sample of Portuguese Adults during COVID-19

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed to characterize the lifestyle habits, anxiety levels and basic psychological needs (BPN), in Portuguese adults during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, including a comparison between genders and age groups. In total, 1404 adults (36.4 ± 11.7 years; 69.6% female) answered sociodemographic data and three instruments: the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Basic Need General Satisfaction Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Males revealed higher values for the total energy expenditure (z = −2.26; p = 0.024; η 2 = 0.004) and for the level of satisfaction of competence (z = −2.62; p = 0.009; η 2 = 0.005). Females showed higher scores for the anxiety state (z = −7.87; p ≤ 0.001; η 2 = 0.044) and anxiety trait (z = −6.49; p ≤ 0.001; η 2 = 0.030). Regarding age, higher values for the anxiety trait (p ≤ 0.001; η H 2 = 0.030) were found in the 18–34 years-old group compared to all the other age groups, also presenting significantly higher values of total energy expenditure (χ² = 13.93; p = 0.008; η H 2 = 0.007) when compared to the 35–44 years-old group. Significant differences were observed between the 18–34 years-old group and the other age groups for the satisfaction of competence (χ² = 40.97; p ≤ 0.001; η H 2 = 0.026), except for the >65 years-old group. Strategies for promoting well-being during periods of social isolation should consider the role of psychological dimensions and lifestyle habits according to the gender or age group.

The importance of sleep and physical activity on well-being during COVID-19 lockdown: reunion island as a case study

“…The relatively small sample size may limit to the generalizability of these results. However, these results are consistent with previously published studies [ 17 , 20 , 21 ]. The study population was relatively young, although age has been found to be an important factor in well-being impairment in this population.…”

“…Here, we observed that responders reported a decrease in their weekly overall, moderate and intense PAs ( Figure 1 B); which was also independently correlated with a deterioration in their well-being ( Table 1 ). These results are consistent with two recent studies about COVID-19 lockdown in Portugal [ 20 ] and Belgium [ 21 ], in which both reported a decrease in energy expenditure during COVID-19 lockdown. We can therefore think that the lack of PA is a determining factor in the well-being under lockdown.…”

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Physical Activity in a Sample of Greek Adults

“…Similar to our results, a negative change in PA during lockdown was also observed in Australian students and Belgian (<55 years old), Chinese, and Italian people [ 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ]. However, most of the relevant studies conducted during lockdown reported that their sample populations were not nationally representative [ 32 , 33 , 34 ], and since the results of surveys of any country depend on a specific definition of PA that is accepted, along with different sampling methods, statistical modeling, and tools, it is difficult to compare our data with theirs.…”

Prevalence and Predictors of Emotional Eating among Healthy Young Saudi Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The negative emotional effects of this global crisis due to deaths, the mandatory quarantine, and economic disruption, along with feelings of isolation, fears of infection, stress, and disrupted lives, are all likely to increase EE [ 14 ]. Furthermore, this prolonged period of mandatory quarantine has led to psychological discomfort, sedentary behavior, disturbed sleep, and difficulty maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including making wrong food choices [ 15 , 16 ]. Disruptions in lifestyle, such as a sudden increase in sleep disturbances or a dramatic decrease in physical activity, are all known to trigger EE [ 17 , 18 ].…”