Depression, Anxiety and Stress during COVID-19: Associations with Changes in Physical Activity, Sleep, Tobacco and Alcohol Use in Australian Adults.

Robert Stanton,Andrew S Fenning,Quyen G To,Susan L Williams,Saman Khalesi,Stephanie J Alley,Corneel Vandelanotte,Tanya L Thwaite

doi:10.3390/ijerph17114065

Abstract

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has enforced dramatic changes to daily living including economic and health impacts. Evidence for the impact of these changes on our physical and mental health and health behaviors is limited. We examined the associations between psychological distress and changes in selected health behaviors since the onset of COVID-19 in Australia. An online survey was distributed in April 2020 and included measures of depression, anxiety, stress, physical activity, sleep, alcohol intake and cigarette smoking. The survey was completed by 1491 adults (mean age 50.5 ± 14.9 years, 67% female). Negative change was reported for physical activity (48.9%), sleep (40.7%), alcohol (26.6%) and smoking (6.9%) since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Significantly higher scores in one or more psychological distress states were found for females, and those not in a relationship, in the lowest income category, aged 18–45 years, or with a chronic illness. Negative changes in physical activity, sleep, smoking and alcohol intake were associated with higher depression, anxiety and stress symptoms. Health-promotion strategies directed at adopting or maintaining positive health-related behaviors should be utilized to address increases in psychological distress during the pandemic. Ongoing evaluation of the impact of lifestyle changes associated with the pandemic is needed.

Highlights

First reported in November 2019, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has resulted in a global health emergency
The current paper only reports on measures included in the survey associated with the study aim
Participants who reported a negative change in physical activity were more likely to have higher depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms

Summary

Introduction

First reported in November 2019, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has resulted in a global health emergency. As of 3 June 2020, the virus has claimed more than 375,000 lives globally and infected more than 6.2 million people. The scale of the pandemic has resulted in worldwide concern, for the loss of life and the social and economic impacts. There is significant concern over how the changes in the ways that people normally engage in everyday activities impact their health and well-being. This is especially relevant for those in self-isolation or quarantine, where feelings of depression, fear, guilt, and anger may manifest [1]. In Australia, similar to other countries, social distancing, travel bans, the cancellation of sporting and other mass participation events, and changes to work practices have dramatically affected daily

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