scholarly journals Anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kuwait: the importance of physical activity

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khaled E. Alsharji

Abstract Background In Kuwait, as in much of the world, COVID-19 epidemic has been spreading since February 2020. The government of Kuwait has taken several measures to minimize virus spread. The epidemic and measures to contain it will likely psychologically influence individuals. This study investigated the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in Kuwaiti nationals and expats. The study’s secondary aim was to identify the association between sociodemographic characteristics and physical activity (PA) engagement, with psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kuwait. A two-section survey was used to examine sociodemographic characteristics and PA engagement, and generalized anxiety (GAD-7) and depression symptoms (PHQ-9). Results Results of this study indicated that 53.7% and 59.6% of the respondents experienced anxiety and depression. The multiple regression models significantly predicted anxiety and depression (P < 0.001). In addition, PA, gender, education, and age were significantly associated with anxiety (P < .05), while PA, gender, age, and marital status were significantly associated with depression (P < .05). Conclusions Findings suggest that the COVID-19 outbreak may have a greater psychological impact on women, younger individuals, married people, and individuals with a bachelor’s degree. However, regular PA appears to be an important immediate and long-term factor in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression during an epidemic.

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming-Qiang Xiang ◽  
Xian-Ming Tan ◽  
Jian Sun ◽  
Hai-Yan Yang ◽  
Xue-Ping Zhao ◽  
...  

IntroductionDuring the COVID-19 outbreak, many citizens were asked to stay at home in self-quarantine, which can pose a significant challenge with respect to remaining physically active and maintaining mental health. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of inadequate physical activity, anxiety, and depression and to explore the relationship of physical activity with anxiety and depression symptoms among Chinese college students during quarantine.MethodUsing a web-based cross-sectional survey, we collected data from 1,396 Chinese college students. Anxiety and depression were assessed with the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), respectively. The data on physical activity were collected by types of physical activity and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF).ResultsDuring the COVID-19 outbreak, about 52.3% of Chinese college students had inadequate physical activity. The rates of anxiety and depression symptoms were 31.0 and 41.8%, respectively. A high level of physical activity (β = −0.121, P &lt; 0.001) was significantly closely associated with low anxiety, while a moderate (β = −0.095, P = 0.001), or high (β = −0.179, P &lt; 0.001) level of physical activity was significantly closely associated with reduced depression after adjusting confounding demographic factors. Moreover, specific types of physical activity, such as stretching and resistance training, were negatively correlated with both anxiety and depression; doing household chores was negatively correlated with depression.ConclusionOur findings highlight specific levels and types of home-based physical activities that need to be taken into consideration to protect the mental health of college students during the COVID-19 epidemic.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristel Tardif-Grenier ◽  
Isabelle Archambault ◽  
Véronique Dupéré ◽  
Amy Marks ◽  
Elizabeth Olivier

Abstract Background Adolescents, especially girls, are more at risk of developing anxiety and depression symptoms and it can be assumed that the stress and social isolation experienced during confinement has had negative consequences on adolescents’ mental health. However, not all of them experienced confinement in the same way. This study is aimed at determining which sociodemographic characteristics (age, family composition, achievement), confinement habits (schedule, new hobby, sleep duration, cellphone and computer use, sports, schoolwork), and sources of support (parents and teachers) are associated with more or less internalized symptoms (anxiety and depression) in Canadian adolescents. Given the increased vulnerability of girls, the results take gender into account. Methods Between April 8 and 30 (2020) and through an online survey, 895 Canadian adolescents (74% girls) aged between 12 and 17 years (M = 14.73) were recruited. Path analysis was performed to identify significant associations between sociodemographic characteristics, confinement habits, and support variables with internalized symptoms. Independent samples t-tests and invariance tests were conducted to compare boys and girls. Data was analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 27 and Mplus8. Results Certain confinement habits (time spent using cellphones, doing sports and schoolwork, finding a new hobby) and support (parents working outside the home) variables were significantly and negatively associated with anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. Regarding the sex differences, girls had higher levels of anxiety and depression symptoms, used their cellphones more, while boys used their computers more. Only the association between sleep duration and physical symptoms of anxiety significantly differed between boys and girls. However, it was not significant for both groups. Conclusions The results of this study help to better understand the experience of adolescents in confinement and how it is different for boys and girls. It sheds light on the characteristics and habits likely to characterize those who are more at risk of experiencing distress and thus make it possible to better support adolescents during this difficult period.


2021 ◽  
pp. 671-677
Author(s):  
Kelly M. Trevino ◽  
Rebecca M. Saracino ◽  
Andrew J. Roth ◽  
Yesne Alici ◽  
Christian J. Nelson

Older adults make up more than half of the cancer diagnoses and even a greater percentage of cancer survivors. The combined issues of aging and cancer can lead a significant number of these patients to experience emotional distress as they manage the comorbidities related to aging, the psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis, and the acute and long-term side effects of treatment. Anxiety and depression are common in older adults with cancer, and there are unique aspects when considering these constructs in this group. Many older adults experience physical and social changes that may leave them vulnerable to psychological difficulties. The assessment of anxiety and depression can be challenging as many symptoms of these constructs overlap with the comorbidities of aging and the side effects of treatment. The psychotherapy and psychopharmacologic treatments should be tailored to the unique needs of this population. More directive, structured psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and problem-solving therapy (PST) tend to be more effective for older adults than open-ended, explorative approaches. Psychopharmacologic treatments should be started at lower doses and titrated slowly. With the continued growth in this population, combined with the unique aspects of assessment and treatment, it is important to understand the basic psycho-oncology principles of working with older adults with cancer.


2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 944-955 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viviane Freire Bueno ◽  
Maria Aparecida da Silva ◽  
Tânia Maria Alves ◽  
Mario Rodrigues Louzã ◽  
Sabine Pompéia

Objective: To evaluate the performance of adults with ADHD considering the fractionation of executive functions into six different domains. Method: Participants were adult ADHD patients who were not under the acute effects of medication ( n = 48). Their performance was compared with that of a healthy control group ( n = 20) of comparable age, education, and nonverbal intelligence quotient. The cognitive domains assessed were executive shifting, updating, inhibition of prepotent responses, dual-task performance, planning, and access to long-term memory. We also assessed the symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, anxiety, and depression by validated questionnaires. Results: Compared with controls, patients reported more symptoms related to ADHD, anxiety and depression symptoms and were impaired in the shifting cost measure and phonemic fluency (measure of access to long-term memory). Conclusion: ADHD in adults selectively impaired executive shifting and access to long-term memory, domains that may alter performance in a wide range of daily tasks.


Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Natan Feter ◽  
Eduardo L. Caputo ◽  
Igor R. Doring ◽  
Marcelo C. da Silva ◽  
Felipe F. Reichert ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has affected workers in different health services including exercise professionals (EP). The urgent need to adapt in-person to online activities might have led to increased frequency of anxiety and depressive symptoms. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify the determinants of aggravated depressive and anxiety symptoms in EP in southern Brazil during social distancing from the COVID-19. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with EP who worked at fitness centers, sports clubs, private schools, or at a public exercise program offered by the municipal council. We used an online-based, self-administered, adapted version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale to compare symptoms of depression and anxiety pre- and during social distancing. RESULTS: Participants (n = 201) had a mean age of 32.7±8.0 years, with more than half being male, white, and having an university degree. We observed that 81%and 71%of respondents reported higher frequency in anxiety and depression symptoms, respectively, during social distancing than in the period before it. Physical education teachers, women, non-white professionals, and those with chronic disease were more likely to worsen anxiety symptoms. Women had higher odds to increased frequency in depressive symptoms. Physical activity and previous experience with internet-based tools for working activities reduced the risk of increased depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Sex, ethnicity, chronic diseases, educational level, physical activity, and experience with online tools were determinants for increased frequency of depression and anxiety symptoms in EP.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S228-S228
Author(s):  
L Sempere Robles ◽  
P Bernabeu ◽  
J Cameo ◽  
A Gutiérrez ◽  
G García ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are vulnerable to some psychological disorders. Here we describe the psychological impact of a COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in patients with IBD. Methods This multicenter prospective cohort study included 145 patients recently diagnosed with IBD. Data on clinical and demographic characteristics, anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and IBD activity (the Modified Harvey Bradshaw Index for CD and Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index for CU) were collected in two telephone surveys, during and after the first COVID-19 lockdown in Spain. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results During lockdown, 33.1% and 24.1% scored high on the anxiety and depression scales, respectively. Independent factors related to anxiety (all values ORs; 95% CIs) during lockdown were female sex (2; 1.2–5.4) and IBD activity (4.3; 1.8–10.4). Factors related to depression were comorbidity (3.3; 1.1–9.8), IBD activity (6; 1.9–18.1), use of biologics (2.9; 1.1–7.6), and living alone or with one person (3.1; 1.2–8.2). After lockdown, anxiety and depression symptoms showed significant improvement, with 24.8% and 15.2% having high scores for anxiety and depression, respectively. Factors related to post-lockdown anxiety were female sex (2.5; 1.01–6.3), Crohn’s disease (3.3; 1.3–8.5), and active IBD (4.1; 1.2–13.7). Factors associated with depression were previous history of mood and/or anxiety disorders (6.3; 1.6–24.9), active IBD (7.5; 2.1–26.8), and steroid use (6.4; 1.4–29). Conclusion Lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant psychological impact in patients with IBD. Disease activity was related to the presence of anxiety and depression symptoms during and after lockdown.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie van Mulukom ◽  
Barbara Muzzulini ◽  
Bastiaan T Rutjens ◽  
Caspar J. Van Lissa ◽  
Miguel Farias

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, particularly the effects of perceived threat and lockdown measures, and to elucidate individual and social factors exacerbating or mitigating its negative effects, particularly sense of control.Design An online survey was designed including questions about psychological wellbeing, lockdown behaviours, and perceived COVID-19 threat, risk, and knowledge.MethodsIndividuals (N=8,229; 39.4% male, 59.4% female, 1.1% other, Mage=38.3, SD=13.5, range = 18-88) were recruited in 79 countries via the snowballing method and social media, and completed the survey in March-April 2020. ResultsParticipant showed elevated levels of anxiety and depression during early stages of lockdown, predicted by perceived threat. Feelings of social isolation moderated the effect of threat on depression symptoms, and increased with the duration of quarantine, but was mitigated by frequent communication with close others. Sense of control was predicted negatively by maladaptive coping, but positively by adaptive coping and the perception that the government is dealing with the outbreak. Individual actions to avoid contracting the virus were associated with higher anxiety, except when done professionally by essential workers. ConclusionsWe suggest that the psychological detrimental effects of the pandemic – following perceived threat and lockdown measures – can be alleviated by individual actions such as maintaining frequent social contact and adaptive coping, and by governmental actions which demonstrate support in a public health crisis. Citizens and governments can work together to adapt better to restrictive but necessary measures during the current and future pandemics.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren A. Rutter ◽  
Holly M. Thompson ◽  
Jacqueline Howard ◽  
Tennisha N. Riley ◽  
Robinson De Jesus-Romero ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND An overwhelming majority of American adolescents have access to smartphones, and recent estimates suggest that they spend considerable time on social media in comparison to other physical and leisure activities. A large body of literature has established that social media use is related to poor mental health, but the complicated relationship between social media and symptoms of anxiety and depression in adolescents is yet to be fully understood. OBJECTIVE Our primary aim was to investigate the effect of social media use on anxiety and depression symptoms in adolescents, exploring physical activity as a mediator. METHODS A Qualtrics survey manager recruited adult panel participants between February and March 2019, who indicated they had adolescent children who spoke English. A total of 4,592 adolescent-parent dyads completed the survey, which took approximately 39 minutes. The survey entailed completing online questionnaires assessing various aspects of social media use, psychological symptoms, and psychosocial factors. The average age of adolescent participants was 14.62 (SD = 1.68, [12-17]), and the majority of the adolescent sample was male (52.01%). RESULTS There were significant differences in symptoms based on gender: females reported higher rates of social media use and males reported higher rates of depression. Non-binary and transgender adolescents had higher rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness than the female and male adolescents in the sample. Results showed a positive relationship between social media use and internalizing symptoms, with greater use linked to higher rates of anxiety (r = .26, P <.001), depression (r = .32, P <.001), and loneliness (r = .23, P <.001), replicating prior findings. Physical activity was associated with decreased anxiety and depression symptoms after controlling for other extracurricular activities and social media use ( = -.21, R2 = .24, F (5, 4290) = 266.0, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS More social media use is associated with higher rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness among adolescents, controlling for age and gender. Exercise may protect against the potentially harmful effects of social media in some adolescents. Limitations of the current study include its self-report nature and cross-sectional design. Overall, findings suggest the need to tailor interventions for anxious and depressed youth, and caution against over-involvement in extracurricular activities, including exercise. Future work should examine social media use beyond how much time adolescents spend using social media, and instead focus on the type of social media consumption. CLINICALTRIAL n/a


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