“General anxiety and depression are associated with the physical activity and social interaction levels: Study in Argentinean university students during the COVID-19 outbreak”

Abstract

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.

Comparing the mental health and quality of life of athlete and non-athlete adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…High-intensity PA is related to greater physical tness, bone health, motor skills [39]. Our ndings are consistent with previous studies during the pandemic, suggesting that higher MVPA levels are associated with reduced depressive, anxiety symptoms [43][44][45][46].. In a study carried out in Italy, it was observed, subjects classi ed as highly active and moderately active showed a signi cant correlation between the change in total activity and the Psychological General Well Being Index, which included life domains like anxiety and depression [14].…”

Asociación entre los niveles de actividad física y los síntomas de depresión y ansiedad en estudiantes de Medicina Humana

“…Se conoce que la actividad física está asociada a una menor incidencia de depresión (11). Diversos estudios han evaluado la asociación entre la actividad física y los síntomas de depresión y ansiedad en estudiantes universitarios durante la pandemia de la COVID-19 (12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17). La mayoría de ellos han encontrado que la actividad física y el nivel de sedentarismo se encuentran asociados con los síntomas de ansiedad y depresión; sin embargo, también existen antecedentes que no reportan dicha asociación (18).…”