Mental Health and Physical Activity in Health-Related University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

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.

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Health literacy needs among unemployed adults: Triangulating interview and scoping review data

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckab164.368 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 31 (Supplement_3) ◽

Author(s):

F Samkange-Zeeb ◽

H Singh ◽

M Lakeberg ◽

J Kolschen ◽

B Schüz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Health Literacy ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Mental Health Literacy ◽

Intervention Development ◽

Well Being ◽

Related Information ◽

Health Related ◽

Nutrition And Physical Activity

Abstract Disadvantaged populations, including unemployed adults, often exhibit low levels of health literacy. Exploring subjectively perceived health literacy needs in these populations can serve as an entry point for participatory intervention development. We aimed to assess health literacy needs of unemployed adults by triangulating qualitative interviews data and a scoping review. Using a parallel approach, we combined results of an interview study with 10 participants of a job-reintegration program in Germany and a scoping review. The interviews, conducted in early 2021, focused on health topics of interest to the participants and their sources of health-related information. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. For the scoping review, we searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycInfo and SCOPUS up to January 2021 for studies containing “unemployed” AND “health literacy” in titles/abstracts. Study selection and data extraction were done independently by two researchers. Nutrition and physical activity emerged as core themes during the interviews, with some participants referring to the importance of both for mental health. Doctors and the institution running the job-reintegration program were the sources of health-related information often mentioned. The Corona pandemic was reported to have limited physical activity and affected psycho-social well-being. Five out of 2696 studies were included in the review. Four focused on mental health literacy, the fifth assessed information seeking practices in unemployed adults. The qualitative analysis revealed that health literacy needs of unemployed adults go beyond mental health literacy. As nutrition and physical activity impact mental health, interventions targeting such topics might also improve mental health literacy in unemployed adults. Study findings will be discussed with unemployed persons and social workers in co-production workshops that aim to identify and prioritize health literacy needs for intervention development. Key messages Health literacy programs for unemployed adults should target nutrition and physical activity. Workforce re-integration programs play a pivotal role in improving health literacy of unemployed adults.

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The prevalence of depression, stress and anxiety symptoms in patients with chronic heart failure

10.21203/rs.3.rs-24137/v3 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Nqoba Tsabedze ◽

Jamie-Leigh Kinsey ◽

Dineo Mpanya ◽

Vanessa Mogashoa ◽

Eric Klug ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Heart Failure ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Chronic Heart Failure ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Stress Symptoms ◽

Prevalence Of Depression ◽

Health Related ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background: Mental health illnesses are associated with frequent hospitalisation and an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Despite the high prevalence of depression in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), there is a paucity of data on this subject from low and middle-income countries (LMIC). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in patients attending a dedicated CHF clinic. Methods: A prospective study was conducted at an outpatient heart failure clinic in a tertiary academic centre. The study participants completed a Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DASS-21) questionnaire to screen for the presence and severity of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms. Furthermore, the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire was completed and used to evaluate the impact of CHF on health-related quality of life (QoL). Descriptive statistics were used to describe patients' characteristics and logistic regression analysis to identify predictors of symptoms of depression. Results: The study population comprised of 103 patients, predominantly female (62.1%) with a median age of 53 (interquartile range 38 – 61) years. Symptoms of depression were reported by 52.4%, with 11.7% reporting symptoms suggestive of extremely severe depression. Anxiety was diagnosed in 53.4% of patients and extremely severe anxiety was reported by 18.4% of patients. Fifty patients were classified as stressed, and only 7.7% had extremely severe stress. More than half of the patients (54.4%) were in New York Heart Association functional class I. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction in the entire cohort was 30.5 (SD =±11.1%). In the multivariable logistic regression model, permanent employment [odds ratio (OR) -1.22, 95% CI:-0.01– -0.00, p=0.012], the six-minute walk test [OR -0.07, 95% CI: 0.02 – 0.06, p=0.001] and orthopnoea [OR 1.89, 95% CI: -0.01 – -0.00, p=0.012] were identified as independent predictors of depression. Conclusion: Depression and anxiety symptoms were found in over half of patients attending the CHF clinic. We recommend that mental health screening should be routinely performed in patients with CHF. Prospective, adequately powered, multicentre studies from LMIC investigating the impact of depression, anxiety and stress on CHF outcomes such as health-related QoL, hospitalisation and mortality are required.

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Physical Activity Protects Against the Negative Impact of Coronavirus Fear on Adolescent Mental Health and Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.580511 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Laura J. Wright ◽

Sarah E. Williams ◽

Jet J. C. S. Veldhuijzen van Zanten

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Protective Factor ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Well Being ◽

Adolescent Mental Health ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Health And Well Being

Background: The severity of the Coronavirus pandemic has led to lockdowns in different countries to reduce the spread of the infection. These lockdown restrictions are likely to be detrimental to mental health and well-being in adolescents. Physical activity can be beneficial for mental health and well-being; however, research has yet to examine associations between adolescent physical activity and mental health and well-being during lockdown.Purpose: Examine the effects of adolescent perceived Coronavirus prevalence and fear on mental health and well-being and investigate the extent to which physical activity can be a protective factor against these concerns.Methods: During United Kingdom lockdown restrictions, 165 participants (100 female, aged 13–19) completed an online questionnaire assessing perceived Coronavirus prevalence and fear, physical activity, and indicators of mental health and well-being (stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, vitality, and perceived health). Separate hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses (with age, gender, perceived Coronavirus prevalence, and fear entered in step 1, and physical activity in step 2) were run to predict each well-being outcome.Results: Regression analyses indicated that in general, while Coronavirus fear was a negative predictor, physical activity was a positive and stronger predictor of enhanced mental health and well-being outcomes.Conclusion: Findings suggest that physical activity during the Coronavirus pandemic can counteract the negative effects of Coronavirus fear on adolescent mental health and well-being. Therefore, physical activity should be promoted during lockdown to support good mental health and well-being.

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“Worn-out but happy”: Postpartum Women's Mental Health and Well-Being During COVID-19 Restrictions in Australia

Frontiers in Global Women's Health ◽

10.3389/fgwh.2021.793602 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 2 ◽

Author(s):

Hannah E. Christie ◽

Kassia Beetham ◽

Elizabeth Stratton ◽

Monique E. Francois

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

Well Being ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Physically Active ◽

Physical Activity Guidelines ◽

Health Related ◽

Level 3 ◽

Postpartum Mothers

Background: From late 2019, COVID-19 disease has infiltrated the global population causing widespread challenges to public health. One cohort that has received less attention, but who may be more vulnerable to the mental and physical health related impacts of COVID-19 restrictions are postpartum mothers. The aim of this study was to explore the mental health, well-being, and health behaviours of mothers up to 12 months postpartum whilst living in Australia under COVID-19 level 3 and 4 restrictions.Methods: 351 women in their first year postpartum residing in Australia whilst under level 3/4 social distancing restrictions (during April 13 and June 11, 2020) were recruited to participate in an online questionnaire. The survey measured symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS), wellness (SF-36), physical activity (Godin-Shephard score), perceived value of health outcomes, diet, and sleep. Descriptive statistics and linear regressions were performed.Results: Data was analysed for 139 eligible women. Of these women, 74% scored “normal” for depression, 84% for anxiety, and 72% for stress. Over half (58%) of women reported being worn out all, most, or a good bit of the time and 77% reported being a happy person all, most, or a good bit of the time. Analysis of the perceived values of health outcome revealed women had high value for “getting out of the house,” “achieving a better overall mood,” and “to feel better physically.” Women were considered physically active according to the Godin Leisure score, however only 41% of women met the current Australian national physical activity guidelines of 150 min.week−1.Conclusions: Overall the majority of postpartum mums that were surveyed, have normal mental health symptoms, and despite being worn out most are happy at least a good bit of the time. This study highlights the importance of health values in maintaining leisure physical activity and mental health. In addition it appears women may benefit from virtual group exercise and community programs to encourage being physically active and socialising with friends simultaneously.

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The prevalence of depression, stress and anxiety symptoms in patients with chronic heart failure

International Journal of Mental Health Systems ◽

10.1186/s13033-021-00467-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Nqoba Tsabedze ◽

Jamie-Leigh Hayes Kinsey ◽

Dineo Mpanya ◽

Vanessa Mogashoa ◽

Eric Klug ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Heart Failure ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Chronic Heart Failure ◽

Anxiety Symptoms ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

Stress Symptoms ◽

Prevalence Of Depression ◽

Health Related ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Mental health illnesses are associated with frequent hospitalisation and an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Despite the high prevalence of depression in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), there is a paucity of data on this subject from low and middle-income countries (LMIC). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in patients attending a dedicated CHF clinic. Methods A prospective study was conducted at an outpatient heart failure clinic in a tertiary academic centre. The study participants completed a Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DASS-21) questionnaire to screen for the presence and severity of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms. Furthermore, the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) was completed and used to evaluate the impact of CHF on health-related quality of life (QoL). Descriptive statistics were used to describe patients' characteristics and logistic regression analysis to identify predictors of symptoms of depression. Results The study population comprised of 103 patients, predominantly female (62.1%) with a median age of 53 (interquartile range 38–61) years. Symptoms of depression were reported by 52.4%, with 11.6% reporting symptoms suggestive of extremely severe depression. Anxiety was diagnosed in 53.4% of patients and extremely severe anxiety was reported by 18.4% of patients. Fifty patients were classified as stressed, and only 7.7% had extremely severe stress. More than half of the patients (54.4%) were in New York Heart Association functional class I. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction in the entire cohort was 30% (SD = ± 11.1%). In the multivariable logistic regression model, the MLHFQ score [odds ratio (OR) 1.04, 95% CI:1.02–1.06, p = 0.001] and the six-minute walk test [OR 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98–0.99, p = 0.014] were identified as independent predictors of depression. Conclusion Depression and anxiety symptoms were found in over half of patients attending the CHF clinic. We recommend that mental health screening should be routinely performed in patients with CHF. Prospective, adequately powered, multicentre studies from LMIC investigating the impact of depression, anxiety and stress on CHF outcomes such as health-related QoL, hospitalisation and mortality are required.

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Evaluation of a participatory approach to improve healthy eating and physical activity in a secure mental health setting

Journal of Public Mental Health ◽

10.1108/jpmh-11-2019-0090 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 (4) ◽

pp. 301-309

Author(s):

Alberto Mateo-Urdiales ◽

Margaret Michael ◽

Charlotte Simpson ◽

Jane Beenstock

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Real Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Physically Active ◽

Content Type ◽

Prevalence Of Obesity

Purpose The prevalence of obesity in secure mental health units is higher than in the general population, having a negative impact on the physical health and mental well-being of people with severe mental health illness (SMI). The purpose of this study was to describe the feasibility of a programme aimed to help people with SMI to eat healthily and be physically active. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods approach was used. A questionnaire administered to patients in both wards measured acceptability, demand, implementation and practicality of the project. Individual semi-structured interviews and focus groups were used to explore staff and patients’ perceptions of the project; as well as the barriers and enablers towards an effective implementation and participation in the project’s activities. Findings Patients were, overall, satisfied with the activities implemented. Successful activities were easy to implement, had staff actively engaged and did not require logistic or administrative planning beforehand. Barriers included unawareness around funding mechanisms of activities, staff capacity issues or lack of patients’ permission to leave the ward. Originality/value Few studies have assessed the feasibility of real-life interventions aimed to improve healthy eating and physical activity in secure mental health units. The results of this study can inform commissioners and providers of mental health services to design and implement new interventions and programmes.

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Mental health profile and health-related behavior among Hong Kong Chinese university students

Health Psychology Open ◽

10.1177/2055102918786869 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 205510291878686 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Cecilia MS Ma ◽

Catie CW Lai

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

University Students ◽

Well Being ◽

Self Report ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Chinese University ◽

Health Related Behaviors ◽

Health Related ◽

Chinese University Students

To better understand factors that are associated with individuals’ engagement in physical activity and other health-related behaviors, this study aimed to identify the psychological well-being profiles among Chinese university students, and explore whether engagement in physical activity and other health-related behaviors vary with different psychological well-being profiles. A battery of self-report questionnaires was completed by 2022 Chinese university students for assessing psychological well-being and health-related behaviors. Four psychological well-being profiles were identified. The vast students were mentally healthy. The students with better mental health displayed lower likelihood of engagement in unhealthy behaviors. Findings and implication of the study were discussed.

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When Much Is Too Much—Compared to Light Exercisers, Heavy Exercisers Report More Mental Health Issues and Stress, but Less Sleep Complaints

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9101289 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 1289

Author(s):

Sanobar Golshani ◽

Ali Najafpour ◽

Seyed Sepehr Hashemian ◽

Nasser Goudarzi ◽

Fatemeh Shahmari ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Inactivity ◽

Sleep Disturbances ◽

Well Being ◽

Mental Toughness ◽

Mental Health Issue ◽

Maximum Point ◽

Health Issues ◽

Mental Health Issues

Background: Physical inactivity has become a global somatic and mental health issue. To counterbalance, promoting regular physical activity appears plausible, above all among adults, where physical inactivity is particularly high. However, some, but sparse, research also indicates that excessive exercising might be associated with unfavorable mental health dimensions. Here, we tested the hypothesis that excessive exercising was associated with more mental health issues. To this end, we assessed mental health issues, stress, mental toughness, and sleep disturbances among heavy and light adult exercisers. Methods: A total of 200 adults (mean age: 35 years; 62% females) took part in the study. Of those, 100 were heavy exercisers (18–22 h/week), and 100 were light exercisers (1–6 h/week). Participants completed questionnaires covering sociodemographic information, mental health issues, perceived stress, mental toughness, and sleep disturbances. Results: Compared with light exercisers, heavy exercisers reported higher mental health issues, more stress, but also higher mental toughness scores and less sleep disturbances. Higher age, lower mental toughness scores, heavy exerciser-status, and more sleep disturbances predicted higher mental health complaints. Conclusions: Compared with light exercising, heavy exercising might be associated with more mental health issues. As such, it appears that the association between exercise frequency, intensity, and duration and psychological well-being might be related to an optimum point, but not to a maximum point. In a similar vein, heavily exercising athletes, their coaches, parents, and representatives of sports associations should get sensitized to possible adverse psychological effects of excessive physical activity patterns.

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Cross-Sectional Study of the Prevalence and Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence among Japanese Older Adults: Associations with Physical Activity, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Well-Being

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18020360 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 360

Author(s):

Noriaki Maeda ◽

Yukio Urabe ◽

Yuta Suzuki ◽

Daigo Hirado ◽

Masanori Morikawa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Urinary Incontinence ◽

Well Being ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a major social problem for older adults and leads to a decline in health-related quality of life (HRQoL), mental health, and physical activity. This study assessed the prevalence and symptoms of UI among older adults discharged from the hospital in Japan and investigated the association of UI symptoms with physical activity, HRQoL, and subjective well-being (SWB). By an international consultation, the Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF) that assesses UI severity, was developed. Self-administered questionnaires were used to assess physical activity, HRQoL, SWB, and social demographic characteristics of the participants. In total, 145 participants (valid response rate, 48%; mean age, 78.6 ± 7.6 years) were included in the analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant factors associated with the presence of UI. Significant decreases in physical activity, HRQoL, and SWB were observed in patients with UI compared with those without UI (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that age, number of reported conditions, and decreased SWB were associated with UI (p < 0.05). UI was associated with less physical activity and decreased mental health status in older adults (especially decreased SWB). Health-promoting measures for older adults with UI are essential for maintaining their well-being and extending healthy life expectancy.

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Psychological Stress among Students in Health-Related Fields during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of a Cross-Sectional Study at Selected Munich Universities

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18126611 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (12) ◽

pp. 6611

Author(s):

Kristina Schröpfer ◽

Nicole Schmidt ◽

Sandra Kus ◽

Clemens Koob ◽

Michaela Coenen

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Psychological Stress ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Well Being ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Health Related

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging period of upheaval for higher education students. This study aims to assess the factors associated with psychological stress during the COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of students in health-related fields at Munich universities in Germany. Students (n = 623) from KSH Munich and LMU Munich completed an online cross-sectional survey. Information on demographics and academic and everyday difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as data on physical and mental health were collected. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the outcome. The prevalence for higher psychological stress was 44% among the study population. Factors associated with higher psychological stress were: lower overall life satisfaction (p < 0.0001), worsened health situation (p < 0.0001), lack of social support (p = 0.0301) and social interaction (p = 0.0115), worries about financial difficulties due to loss of income (p = 0.0134), stressful thoughts about a second wave (p < 0.0001), feeling unable to positively influence the situation (p = 0.0262) and study-related effects, such as perceived study burden (p = 0.0003) and likely delay in studies (p = 0.0178)). The COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant negative impact on the mental health of students in health-related fields. Proactive efforts to support the mental health and well-being of students are needed.

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