scholarly journals Associations between Physical Activity and Mental Health in Iranian Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Accelerometer-Based Study

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 1022
Author(s):  
Saeed Ghorbani ◽  
Mostafa Afshari ◽  
Melanie Eckelt ◽  
Amir Dana ◽  
Andreas Bund

Using self-reported questionnaires, several studies found that social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the level of physical activity (PA) in children and adolescents. Since the objectivity of self-reported PA is limited in several ways, we used modern accelerometers in this study to assess the PA levels of male and female adolescents during the pandemic-related lockdown. Moreover, the association of PA with mental health of the adolescents were analyzed. A total of 136 students (76 girls, mean age of 16.28 ± 0.97 years) from various schools in Iran wore the accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X-BT) for seven consecutive days. Mental health was measured through the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21 of Lovibond and Lovibond (1995). Descriptive statistics and independent t-tests were used to analyze the PA levels of male and female students, and linear regressions were computed to examine whether PA predicts mental health status. On average, the daily time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was 18.47 min, which is clearly below the WHO guideline of at least 60 min of MVPA per day. Only 4% of adolescents showed MVPA for more than 30 min per day. Male students were significantly more active than their female peers (p = 0.015). As expected, MVPA was negatively associated with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress. However, the majority of adolescents reported symptoms of mild-to-moderate mental health disorders. These results emphasize the need for targeted strategies and offerings geared to young people’s needs and preferences to promote an adequate level of PA and good mental health during and after the ongoing pandemic.

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 38-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila Ghaedi ◽  
Azlina Binti Mohd Kosnin

Depressive disorders are the most typical disease affecting many different factors of humanity. University students may be at increased risk of depression owing to the pressure and stress they encounter. Therefore, the purpose of this study is comparing the level of depression among male and female athletes and non-athletes undergraduate student of private university in Esfahan, Iran. The participants in this research are composed of 400 male and female athletes as well as no-athletes Iranian undergraduate students. The Beck depression test (BDI) was employed to measure the degree of depression. T-test was used to evaluate the distinction between athletes and non-athletes at P≤0.05. The ANOVA was conducted to examine whether there was a relationship between level of depression among non-athletes and athletes. The result showed that the prevalence rate of depression among non-athlete male undergraduate students is significantly higher than that of athlete male students. The results also presented that level of depression among female students is much more frequent compared to males. This can be due to the fatigue and lack of energy that are more frequent among female in comparison to the male students. Physical activity was negatively related to the level of depression by severity among male and female undergraduate students. However, there is no distinct relationship between physical activity and level of depression according to the age of athlete and non-athlete male and female undergraduate students. This study has essential implications for clinical psychology due to the relationship between physical activity and prevalence of depression.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2-2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Siti Nur Farahin Eraman ◽  
Thuaibah@Suaibah Abu Bakar ◽  
Zulkifli Hamisan @ Khair ◽  
Hashim Fauzy Yaacob

The current change in lifestyle and the rapid development of the world has led to the rise in mental health issues and symptoms of mental health problems. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the respondents' perceptions and mental health differences in terms of gender and personal status as well as the relationship between social support and mental health. This study is a quantitative study that used questionnaires to obtain data. The sample consisted of 103 police officers in the training, management and administration and operations departments. Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS 21) and Perceived Organizational Support (POS) were used as study instruments. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 18 and using descriptive statistics and inference statistics. The findings show that mental health conditions are affected by social support received.


Author(s):  
Nasibeh Salari ◽  
Jamileh Farokhzadian ◽  
Faroukh Abazari

Abstract Background Adolescence is one of the most challenging periods of human life. Many healthy or risky behaviors may be formed during this period and continue to the end of life. The aim of this study was to examine and compare the health promotion behaviors of male and female students in high schools. Methods In this descriptive-comparative study, 609 high school students were selected using multi-stage random sampling method. Data were collected using demographic and health-promoting lifestyle profile (HPLPII) questionnaires. Results The mean of health promotion behaviors was moderate in female (2.43 ± 0.46) and male (2.61 ± 0.45) students. The highest and lowest means in the male students were respectively the dimensions of spiritual growth and health responsibility. Also, the highest and lowest means in the female students were dimensions of interpersonal relationships as well as physical activity and exercise. The status of male health promotion behaviors was significantly more favorable than that of the female (p = 0.001, t = −4.71). The male students had a better situation than female in terms of all the six dimensions of HPLPII, so there was a significant difference between them in the four dimensions of spiritual growth, stress management, physical activity and health responsibility. There was also a significant relationship between the history of physical and mental illness in the past year and the students’ health promotion behaviors (p < 0.05). Conclusion The results indicated the importance of promoting self-care and educational interventions in the aspects such as physical activity and health responsibility of young people in order to improve the health of the community.


2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 122
Author(s):  
Ruchan Iri ◽  
Serkan Ibis ◽  
Zait Burak Aktug

The purpose of the study is to investigate the interaction among Physical Activity Levels (PAL), academic successes, perceived academic competency and Motor Skills (MS) of male and female students at the age of 14-17 in terms of gender variable. The PALs, perceived academic competency and academic successes were determined through International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Academic Competency Scale and General Academic Averages respectively. MS were tested by sit-and-reach flexibility, vertical jump, hand grip strenght and back and leg strength tests. After the data were entered into the SPSS 16,0 program, paired t-test was done in order to determine the difference between genders. Also, the interaction among PAL, academic success, academic competency and MS of male and female students were analysed through Pearson correlation analysis. As a result, it was found out that parameters related to the PAL and strength of male students are higher than those of female ones while female students’ academic success levels are better than those of male students. In addition, while no significant relation between academic success and PAL was found, a positive relation was determined the academic success and perceived academic competency of both genders.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wahaj Anwar A. Khan ◽  
Melinda L. Jackson ◽  
Gerard A. Kennedy ◽  
Russell Conduit

AbstractParamedics working on a rotating shift are at an increased risk of developing chronic health issues due to continuous circadian rhythm disruption. The acute effects of shift rotation and objectively measured sleep have rarely been reported in paramedics. This study investigated the relationships between a rotating shift schedule and sleep (using actigraphy), subjective reports of sleepiness, mood, stress and fatigue. Galvanic Skin Response, energy expenditure and physical activity (BodyMedia SenseWear Armband) were also recorded across the shift schedule. Paramedics were monitored for a period of eight consecutive days across pre-shift, day shift, night shift, and 2 days off. Fifteen paramedics (M age = 39.5 and SD = 10.7 years) who worked rotational shifts experienced sleep restriction during night shift compared to pre-shift, day shift and days off (p < 0.001). Night shift was also associated with higher levels of stress (p < 0.05), fatigue (p < 0.05), and sleepiness (p < 0.05). One day off was related to a return to pre-shift functioning. Such shift-related issues have a compounding negative impact on an already stressful occupation with high rates of physical and mental health issues. Therefore, there is an urgent need to investigate methods to reduce rotating shift burden on the health of paramedics. This could be through further research aimed at providing recommendations for shift work schedules with sufficient periods for sleep and recovery from stress.


Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 801
Author(s):  
Jasminka Talapko ◽  
Ivan Perić ◽  
Patricia Vulić ◽  
Emina Pustijanac ◽  
Melita Jukić ◽  
...  

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to increased negative emotional states among students. Physical activity is known to have positive impacts on mental health and well-being. However, due to the closure of gyms and other recreational facilities as a restrictive measure, students’ physical activity levels may decrease. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms and physical activity among health-related students during the second partial COVID-19 lockdown. The study included 823 students from the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health of the University of Osijek in Croatia. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the Godin-Shephard Leisure Time Questionnaire for Physical Activity (GSLTPAQ) questionnaires were used to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms as well as physical activity. Two-thirds (59.2%) of students in health-related fields were insufficiently active, while the prevalence of depression (50.8%), anxiety (50.9%), and stress (49.9%) symptoms were high. Also, female respondents had significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress than their male counterparts. Graduate students had higher levels of all three negative emotional states, but only anxiety levels were significant. This study shows that students in health-related fields had reduced physical activity and a high prevalence of negative emotional conditions (depression, anxiety, and stress) during the second partial lockdown. The resulting symptoms were mostly of mild intensity; however, we consider this a significant mental health issue during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, it is crucial to control and support students’ mental health, especially in more affected female individuals, in order to reduce the pandemic’s negative impact.


2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-110
Author(s):  
Jurica Lovrinčević

Physical activity is an integral part and a vital factor in our lives. Scientists consider physical inactivity to be a major public health problem of the 21st century (Blair, 2009). The objective of this paper was to determine the physical activity level of students of the Faculty of Education in Osijek during the COVID-19 virus epidemic. Furthermore, the paper analyzed the difference in physical activity levels between male and female students. There were 100 participants included in the research, 50 female and 50 male students. The level of physical activity in students was assessed via a short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ - SF). The results indicate an average high level of physical activity in all students. There is a statistically significant difference between male and female students, with male students being more physically active than female students.


Video games are being used as a tool that can help many different health issues. This is not limited to the idea of using a Nintendo Wii as a way to promote physical activity; that is actually the least common use of video games related to health. Video games are being researched for how they can help many different mental health issues, including ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders. More than anything, the research is trying to understand the different ways that video games can affect the different cognitive processes that humans have, and how that matters to the medical and health community. This chapter explores video games and health.


Author(s):  
Asrenee AB. Razak

There is an increasing trend of mental health issues in Malaysia. 1 in 3 Malaysian aged over 16 years old is at risk of having a mental health problem, and the trend is on the rise. The burden of mental health disorders on health and productivity, however, has long been underestimated. It is partly due to the cultural stigma attached to mental disorders. The recent 2018 Malaysia's Healthiest Workplace survey reported that more than half of employees in the survey have been affected by job-related stress such as burnout, anxiety, depression, and could lead to suicide. The serious consequences of these mental health issues not only affecting the individual but also lead to negative impacts on the productivity and performance of the company. On the other hand, workplaces that promote good mental health, and support people with mental disorders are more likely to reduce absenteeism, increase productivity as well as could benefit from associated economic gains. It is crucial for the workplace to integrate mental health intervention in their health and wellbeing strategy.  Among the useful intervention is mindfulness training. Mindfulness is not only proven to reduce the work stress but also teaches the employees to appreciate life and positively cope with their job demands. This presentation outlines the benefits of mindfulness and how it can be applied in daily life.


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