The Prevalence of Emotional Distress among Athletes during COVID-19 Movement Control Order Period in Malaysia

Abstract

Background. The outbreak of Coronavirus-19 or COVID-19 has detrimental effects on the sports industry. Cancellation of sports training and competitions, movement restriction, and social isolation present an emotional challenge for athletes. Objectives. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of emotional distress among athletes during the MCO of Covid-19 in Malaysia. Methods. 224 male and 264 female athletes participated in this study in May 2020. The majority of the participants were archers (20.7%), followed by athletics (12.9), netball (8.4%), and badminton (6.6%). An online survey was employed, which consists of three measures: (a) demographic information, (b) Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale -21, and (c) Kessler Psychological Distress Scale -10. Results. The results indicated that 7.2% (N=35) of the participants reported severe to extremely severe stress, 20.5% (N=100) of participants experienced severe to extremely severe anxiety, and 10% (N=49) participants reported severe to extremely severe depression. Moreover, Chi-Square analysis revealed no significant differences between the level of stress, anxiety, and depression based on age, gender, and category of sports (individual vs. team sports), except for gender and depression (X 2 (4, N=488) = 12.18, P= 0.016). More female athletes reported severe depression (20.3%) compared to male athletes (13.4%). Conclusion. This finding suggests further assessment, monitoring, and treatment plan for athletes, especially female athletes, to ensure their mental health and emotional wellbeing during this Covid19 pandemic.

Analysis of Strategies for Managing Stress by Polish Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…This conclusion is consistent with the statement that regular sports participation decreases the risk of emotional distress such as depression, anxiety and stress [ 31 ]. It should be helpful for healthcare workers.…”

“…Stress, anxiety and depression can be fueled by uncertainty and disappointment of being unable to perform in the competitions as planned. Some nurses perceive the pandemic COVID-19 as a traumatic experience because takes a physical and emotional toll on everyone [ 31 ].…”

“…Sut Txi et al [ 31 ] found among athletes during COVID-19 period that the depression, anxiety and stress scores in the current sample group were lower than those from other groups of people [ 31 ].…”

The effect of physical exercise on the anxiety of college students in the post-pandemic era: The mediating role of social support and proactive personality

“…Furthermore, Naghavi et al (2018) aimed to investigate the effects of cognitive and physical training on anxiety in older adults. Sut Txi et al (2022) investigated the prevalence of emotional distress in athletes during Covid-19 in Malaysia. There were no significant differences between levels of stress, anxiety, and depression based on age, gender, and exercise category (individual VS team sports).…”

Lifestyle Behaviors Predict COVID-19 Severity: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Home quarantine and psychological distress caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to changes in lifestyle behaviors (1)(2)(3). Lifestyle behaviors are everyday activities that result from values, knowledge, and norms and are highly affected by the environment, individual, and tasks (4)(5)(6).…”