Effect of the Long COVID-19 Quarantine and Associated Lack of Physical Activity on Overall Health.

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic's mandatory quarantine encouraged a sedentary lifestyle, which had detrimental effects on health. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the health effects of the prolonged COVID-19 quarantine. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire to assess the effects of physical activity and dietary patterns on weight gain and perceived stress. Results Of the 384 participants, the majority (58.6%) experienced stress, while 22.4% saw a dramatic decline in physical activity and only 19.8% performed regular physical activity. Although 64.1% of the participants reported eating healthily, 40.6% gained weight during the quarantine. Insufficient exercise (OR 1.966, 95% CI: 1.001-3.858) and consuming soft drinks frequently (OR 2.363, 95% CI: 1.137-4.910) were the two most important predictors of weight gain. The likelihood of developing psychological stress was increased by consuming more food (OR 2.592, 95% CI; 1.268-5.298), eating few vegetables (OR 3.154, 95% CI: 1.203-8.269), and insufficient exercising (OR 2.211, 95% CI: 1.063-4.600). Conclusion Long quarantines and physical inactivity raise the risk of weight gain and stress, both of which have detrimental effects on general health.