Abstract
The numerous negative health impacts of COVID-19, which include expected changes to psychiatric illness and physical activity (PA), are disproportionately distributed in the United States. Mental illnesses and physical inactivity are prevalent among U.S. college students. This study examined whether there was a change in minutes of PA and depression scores after a stay-at-home order and examined predictors of these changes. An online survey was sent to all undergraduate and graduate students attending a large, diverse university via an electronic newsletter. The survey requested information about demographic and academic data, cardiorespiratory fitness, and depression symptoms. Paired t-tests and logistic regression were employed. Our sample (n = 194) was predominantly female (73%), young (mean age of 25), not a sexual minority (82%), and had a mean 3.4 GPA. Students reported worse depression scores (p < 0.01) and fewer minutes of PA (p = 0.01) after the stay-at-home order. There was a small but significant (p = 0.04) correlation between changes in total minutes of PA and depression scores. Senior (p = 0.05) and Hispanic (p = 0.03) students were less likely to report worsening depression scores than freshmen and white students, respectively. Asian students were significantly more likely than white students to report decreased PA. This study suggests that COVID-19 and its consequences may be contributing to reduced PA and greater depression symptoms in college students and that sub-groups have been affected differently. Targeted interventions to promote PA and support mental health may bolster the ability for resilience of college students.
Highlights
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted global health systems and services [1] and upended economies across the world [2]
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lingering and inter-related issues of physical activity and depression among college students, the purpose of this study was to: (1) determine if there was a change in participants’ physical activity minutes prior to versus after stay-at-home orders were issued in the State of Nevada, (2) determine if there was a change in depression scores prior to versus after stay-at-home orders, and (3) understand predictors of depression score and physical activity changes among college students
This study aimed to determine if there was a change in participants’ physical activity minutes prior to versus after stayat-home orders were issued in the State of Nevada, to determine if there was a change in depression as measured by PHQ-9 scores prior to versus after stay-at-home orders, and to understand if traditional predictors of depression scores among college students predicted changes in physical activity and depression scores
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted global health systems and services [1] and upended economies across the world [2]. The global response to COVID-19 includes a race to roll out testing, trace contacts, quarantine and isolate individuals, slow the movement of people, reduce person-to-person interactions, develop a vaccine, find effective medical interventions, and bolster public health and healthcare systems. The United States has been impacted especially hard by this pandemic, with over 167,000 deaths and well over 5.2 million cases of COVID-19 as of mid-August–and counting [5]. While U.S federal efforts include tracking the disease, boosting research, overseeing vaccine development, and attempting to stimulate the economy [6], responses of U.S state and local governments have varied and include efforts to restrict the Journal of Community Health (2021) 46:758–766 movement and gathering of people as well as closing and tightly controlling re-opening of businesses and organizations, including academic institutions [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
