The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic Restrictions on Physical Activity and Psychological Characteristics of the Iranian People

Abstract BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on physical activity behaviours, as well as on mental health indicators among Iranian residents. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 335 participants were included (155 males, mean age = 30.06 ± 14.58 years). The eligibility criteria for this study were as follows; 1- Having at least 10 years of age. 2- Having a minimum literacy rate 3- Ability to work with networks of smart communication devices such as smartphones and computers 4- Living in Iran for the past 5 years. Participants were selected through the convenience sampling and filled out an online questionnaire measuring physical activity behaviours (The International Physical Activity Questionnaire; IPAQ; Short Form) and two mental health indicators – self-esteem (Rosenberg self-esteem scale) and social physical anxiety (7-items social physique anxiety scale). ResultsThe results of Wilcoxon test showed that participants reported significant differences from before to during the pandemic in all three variables of physical activity (significant decreases), self-esteem (significant decreases), and social physical anxiety (significant increases). This difference was found, regardless of participants’ gender. The results of Spearman correlation test between changes in physical activity and changes in mental health indicators showed that COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted self-esteem and social physical anxiety. However, we have not found any significant association of physical activity’s change with social physical anxiety or self-esteem’s changes before and during the pandemic. ConclusionsIn sum, the findings of the present study indicate a detrimental effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical activity and mental health among Iranian’s residents. Public policies aiming to buffer the negative impact on COVID-19 Iranians’ health are urgently needed.

Download Full-text

Dietary Habits and Lifestyle During Coronavirus Pandemic Lockdown: Experience From Lebanon

Frontiers in Nutrition ◽

10.3389/fnut.2021.730425 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Leila Cheikh Ismail ◽

Mona Hashim ◽

Maysm N. Mohamad ◽

Hussein Hassan ◽

Abir Ajab ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Short Form ◽

Adult Population ◽

Daily Basis ◽

Lifestyle Behaviors ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact

This study aimed to examine the impact of quarantine on eating habits and lifestyle behaviors among the Lebanese adult population. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire designed on Google Forms between 3 June and 28 June 2020. The survey questions were adapted from the Short Food Frequency Questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form, and the second version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire. A total of 2,507 adults completed the questionnaire. During the lockdown, 32.8% claimed weight gain, 44.7% did not eat fruits daily, 35.3% did not eat vegetables on daily basis, and 72.9% reported drinking less than eight cups of water per day. Moreover, there was a significant increase in the number of meals consumed per day, consumption of homemade meals, sedentary time, stress, and sleeping disturbances during the pandemic compared to before the pandemic (all p < 0.001). However, there was a significant decrease in physical activity engagement, sleep quality, and energy level during the lockdown compared to before the pandemic (all p < 0.001). The study highlights that the COVID-19 lockdown was associated with unfavorable changes in dietary habits and lifestyle behaviors in Lebanon. Sleep and mental health were also negatively impacted by the pandemic.

Download Full-text

How is the COVID-19 lockdown impacting the mental health of parents of school-age children in the UK? A cross-sectional online survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043397 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. e043397

Author(s):

Austen El-Osta ◽

Aos Alaa ◽

Iman Webber ◽

Eva Riboli Sasco ◽

Emmanouil Bagkeris ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Online Survey ◽

Female Gender ◽

School Age Children ◽

School Age ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact

ObjectiveInvestigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on feelings of loneliness and social isolation in parents of school-age children.DesignCross-sectional online survey of parents of primary and secondary school-age children.SettingCommunity setting.Participants1214 parents of school-age children in the UK.MethodsAn online survey explored the impact of lockdown on the mental health of parents with school-age children, and in particular about feelings of social isolation and loneliness. Associations between the UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale (UCLATILS), the Direct Measure of Loneliness (DMOL) and the characteristics of the study participants were assessed using ordinal logistic regression models.Main outcome measuresSelf-reported measures of social isolation and loneliness using UCLATILS and DMOL.ResultsHalf of respondents felt they lacked companionship, 45% had feelings of being left out, 58% felt isolated and 46% felt lonely during the first 100 days of lockdown. The factors that were associated with higher levels of loneliness on UCLATILS were female gender, parenting a child with special needs, lack of a dedicated space for distance learning, disruption of sleep patterns and low levels of physical activity during the lockdown. Factors associated with a higher DMOL were female gender, single parenting, parenting a child with special needs, unemployment, low physical activity, lack of a dedicated study space and disruption of sleep patterns during the lockdown.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 lockdown has increased feelings of social isolation and loneliness among parents of school-age children. The sustained adoption of two modifiable health-seeking lifestyle behaviours (increased levels of physical activity and the maintenance of good sleep hygiene practices) wmay help reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness during lockdown.

Download Full-text

The impact of COVID-19 quarantine on dietary habits and physical activity in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11540-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Manar Abduljalil Bakhsh ◽

Jomana Khawandanah ◽

Rouba Khalil Naaman ◽

Shoug Alashmali

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Body Weight ◽

Weight Gain ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Adult Population ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Future Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments around the world to impose strict hygiene and national lockdown measures, which in turn has changed the dietary and lifestyle habits of the world’s population. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate whether dietary and physical activity behaviors of Saudi Arabia’s adult population changed during the COVID-19 quarantine. Methods An electronic questionnaire which assessed changes in body weight, dietary habits, and physical activity of Saudi Arabia’s adult population (n = 2255) during the COVID-19 quarantine was distributed on social media between June and July 2020. To test the differences between changes in dietary and physical activity behaviors in relation to changes in body weight a Chi-square test was used. Results Over 40 and 45% of participants reported eating and snacking more, respectively, which led to weight gain in around 28%. Most participants reported that they consumed home-cooked (73%) and healthy meals (47%), while only 7% reported that they consumed foods from restaurants. Feelings of boredom and emptiness (44%) and the availability of time for preparing meals (40%) were the main reasons for changing dietary habits. Honey (43%) and vitamin C (50%) were the most consumed immune-boosting food and dietary supplement, respectively. COVID-19 also had a negative impact on physical activity, lowering the practice in 52% subjects, which was associated with significant weight gain (p < 0.001). Conclusion Assessing the changes to the population’s dietary habits and physical activity during the lockdown will help predict the outcome of the population’s future health and wellbeing after the pandemic.

Download Full-text

THE IMPACT OF INTERNET-ENABLED PHONES ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG STUDENTS OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

Pakistan Journal of Rehabilitation ◽

10.36283/pjr.zu.10.2/008 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 37-42

Author(s):

Asma Khalid

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Young Adults ◽

Short Form ◽

Smart Phones ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Tertiary Institutions ◽

Prolonged Time ◽

Media Applications ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Smart phones usage is rapidly progressing day by day in young adults’ lives who have become habituated and less indulged in physical activities. Thus, this study is aimed to measure the impact of internet-enabled smart phones on physical activity of students. METHODOLOGY An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among students aged 18-30 years studying in tertiary institutions. Internet-Connectedness Index and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form were formulated in the Google Docs and distributed to participants via email or social media applications. RESULTS A total number of 252 students participated in study revealed that majority of users have own computer for prolonged time with broadband and 3G internet. Only (4.4%) participants have performed vigorous and (5.6%) moderate activities 7 days a week. Whereas (27.8%) participants spent their time sitting at desk, visiting friends, reading, sitting or lying down to watch TV for <2 hours (27.8%), <4 hours (21.8%) while >8 hours (23%) respectively. This showed that with the increased use of internet, young adults performed low physical activity. CONCLUSION It was concluded that majority of young adults have used internet for prolonged time on computer/laptop/cell phones whereas limited participants reported to have regular physical activity however, no significant association was found between the impacts of internet-connectedness with physical activity.

Download Full-text

Changes in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in Response to COVID-19 and Their Associations with Mental Health in 3052 US Adults

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17186469 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (18) ◽

pp. 6469 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Jacob Meyer ◽

Cillian McDowell ◽

Jeni Lansing ◽

Cassandra Brower ◽

Lee Smith ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Screen Time ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Societal Changes ◽

The Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic altered many facets of life. We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19-related public health guidelines on physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, mental health, and their interrelations. Cross-sectional data were collected from 3052 US adults 3–8 April 2020 (from all 50 states). Participants self-reported pre- and post-COVID-19 levels of moderate and vigorous PA, sitting, and screen time. Currently-followed public health guidelines, stress, loneliness, positive mental health (PMH), social connectedness, and depressive and anxiety symptoms were self-reported. Participants were grouped by meeting US PA guidelines, reporting ≥8 h/day of sitting, or ≥8 h/day of screen time, pre- and post-COVID-19. Overall, 62% of participants were female, with age ranging from 18–24 (16.6% of sample) to 75+ (9.3%). Self-reported PA was lower post-COVID among participants reporting being previously active (mean change: −32.3% [95% CI: −36.3%, −28.1%]) but largely unchanged among previously inactive participants (+2.3% [−3.5%, +8.1%]). No longer meeting PA guidelines and increased screen time were associated with worse depression, loneliness, stress, and PMH (p < 0.001). Self-isolation/quarantine was associated with higher depressive and anxiety symptoms compared to social distancing (p < 0.001). Maintaining and enhancing physical activity participation and limiting screen time increases during abrupt societal changes may mitigate the mental health consequences.

Download Full-text

Life in lockdown: a telephone survey to investigate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on the lives of older people (≥75 years)

Age and Ageing ◽

10.1093/ageing/afaa255 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Lesley Brown ◽

Rahena Mossabir ◽

Nicola Harrison ◽

Caroline Brundle ◽

Jane Smith ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older People ◽

Telephone Survey ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Short Form ◽

Health Anxiety ◽

Good Health ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the UK government introduced social distancing measures and identified specific populations at high risk from the virus. People ≥70 were deemed ‘Clinically Vulnerable’. Distancing measures were introduced to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. However, these may have a negative impact on older people who are vulnerable to social isolation and may have challenges accessing services and provisions. Objectives To investigate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on the lives of older people. Study design and setting Cross-sectional telephone survey. Participants Community-dwelling older people, 76–97 years. Outcomes Health anxiety; General health (RAND Short-form 36 Survey); Physical activity; Depression (PHQ-8); Anxiety (GAD-2); Loneliness; Access to services; Challenges, concerns and positive experiences. Data analysis Counts (%), means (SDs). Thematic analysis was used to identify themes from open questions. Results n = 142. 52% did not worry about their health; 76% rated their health as ‘good’, ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’; <10% met the criteria indicative of depression (PHQ-8), or anxiety (GAD-2); 42% were less active than before lockdown; and 27% were lonely at least some of the time. Over half of participants identified positive aspects. Conclusions Most participants reported good health with low levels of health anxiety, anxiety and depression. Many were able to identify positive aspects to lockdown and may be better equipped to deal with lockdown than anticipated. Strategies may be required to ameliorate the negative impact of loneliness for a minority of older people, and help some resume previous activity levels and pursuits.

Download Full-text

Resiliency and mental health of school teachers in Okinawa

Journal of Health Research ◽

10.1108/jhr-11-2019-0248 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Paul Ratanasiripong ◽

Takashi China ◽

Nop T Ratanasiripong ◽

Shiho Toyama

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Teaching Profession ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

School Teachers ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Content Type ◽

The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the mental health issues among teachers globally and to investigate the significant factors that specifically impact the mental health of school teachers in Okinawa, Japan.Design/methodology/approachThis cross-sectional study examined depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem and resiliency among 174 teachers from seven schools in Okinawa, Japan. The study questionnaire consisted of four parts, including demographic data, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scale (DASS-42), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), and Connor-Davidson Resiliency Scale (CD-RISC). Multiple regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of mental health variables.FindingsOf the 174 teachers, 111 were females (64%) and 60 were males (35%). Average age of participants was 41.65 (SD = 10.07). Average number of years being a teacher was 15.50 (SD = 9.88). There was a significant gender difference in the level of self-esteem. Significant differences in anxiety were found among varying grade levels taught. Regression analyses indicated that resiliency and self-esteem significantly predicted depression, anxiety and stress among school teachers in Okinawa.Originality/valueThis is the first study among school teachers in Okinawa that examined the impact of resiliency and self-esteem on their mental health. To reduce psychological distress common within the teaching profession, social and environmental support should be provided within the school to better foster the successful promotion of teacher resiliency and self-esteem.

Download Full-text

Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of Medical Students in Portugal

Journal of Personalized Medicine ◽

10.3390/jpm11100986 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (10) ◽

pp. 986

Author(s):

Ricardo Campos ◽

Vânia Pinto ◽

Daniela Alves ◽

Celina Pires Rosa ◽

Henrique Pereira

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Medical Students ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Statistical Processing ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Face To Face ◽

Anonymous Questionnaire ◽

The Impact ◽

Academic Year

(1) Background: The purpose of this article is to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of medical students in Portugal in the period after returning to face-to-face classes during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the 2020/2021 academic year. (2) Methods: We conducted an observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study, between December 2020 and February 2021 with a representative sample of Portuguese medical students (n = 649), applying an anonymous questionnaire which was composed by a sociodemographic characterization, The Brief Symptoms Inventory–18, The Fear of COVID-19 Scale and the Negative Impact Assessment Scale. For statistical processing, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS ©) was used. (3) Results: 65.3% of participants said that self-perceived relevant anxiety symptoms, and around 10% said that they had a physical or a mental illness diagnosis. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found for Fear of COVID-19, Somatization, Anxiety and Overall Mental Health, indicating that women, students from the 1st and last years of training had higher scores. Age, year of training, Fear of COVID-19 and Negative Impact of COVID-19 were significant predictors of overall mental health. (4) Conclusion: In our sample of Portuguese medical students, age, year of training, but mostly fear of COVID-19 and the negative impact of COVID-19 contributed to mental health symptoms.

Download Full-text

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Psychological Status of Palestinian Adults in the West Bank, Palestine; A Cross-Sectional Study

The Open Psychology Journal ◽

10.2174/1874350102114010227 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

pp. 227-237

Author(s):

Imad T. Asmar ◽

Hani Naseef ◽

Nimeh Al-Shami ◽

Maram K. Jaghama ◽

Abdallah D. Abukhalil ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Negative Impact ◽

West Bank ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Psychological Status ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

The West ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Impact

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) rapid manifestation and spread have disrupted world norms and affected people's daily activities and life. Many ministries chose mass lockdown protocol as a way to control the virus spread. Though this protocol has shown to be effective in limiting the Virus transmission, it might have a negative impact on the population's psychological status, such as boredom, confusion, psychological stress, anxiety, depression, and physical effects. Objective: This study aimed to find the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Palestinian adults' psychological status by assessing the participant's practices, reports of anxiety and depression during the pandemics Methods: An observational descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among Palestinian adults in the West Bank, at the occupied Palestinian territories, between July and September 2020. The questionnaire was structured into two domains: the first domain includes nine questions about sociodemographic data. The second consisted of 33 (yes and no) questions evaluating the participant's psychological status. Results: 739 participants with a mean age of 31.76, filled the online questionnaire. Around one-third of respondents revealed having many signs of anxiety, and around 42% of respondents expressed having many signs of depression. Females were significantly more likely to have signs of depression, whereas front-line COVID-19 health care workers were significantly the least likely to have signs of depression and no signs of depression were found among participants with high incomes. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic has a negative effect on mental status; most participants have signs of anxiety and depression.

Download Full-text

Residency training amid the COVID-19 pandemic: exploring the impact on mental health and training, a lesson from Iran

BMC Medical Education ◽

10.1186/s12909-021-03029-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ashraf Moini ◽

Khadije Maajani ◽

Ramesh Omranipour ◽

Mohamad-Reza Zafarghandi ◽

Ashraf Aleyasin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Residency Training ◽

General Surgery ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Care Delivery ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Multiple Choice Questions ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Questions And Answers ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background COVID-19 has affected the training programs and the clinical schedules of surgical wards in many countries, including Iran. Also, the continuous involvement with COVID-19 patients has caused stress in health care workers; among them, residents are on the frontlines of care delivery. Therefore, we designed a study to assess the mental effects of these circumstances, and the effects on General Surgery and Obstetrics & Gynecology residency training in the busiest surgical departments of our university. Methods Participants of this cross-sectional study were residents of General Surgery and Obstetrics & Gynecology of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, and the conventional sampling method was used. We used a questionnaire consisting of 47 questions (mostly using multiple choice questions and answers on the Likert scale) about personal, familial, and demographic characteristics; training activities, and mental effects of COVID-19. Results The response rate was 63.5%. (127 filled questionnaires). Around 96% of the residents had emotional problems, 85.9% were highly stressed about contracting COVID-19, 81.3% were worried about transferring it to their families; and 78% believed that their residency training had been impaired. Conclusion Overall, our study shows the negative impact of COVID-19 on mental health and the training of residents. We propose that appropriate emotional support and suitable planning for compensation of training deficits is provided for residents.

Download Full-text