How does the COVID-19 Outbreak in Saudi Arabian Affect PA Behavior and Psychological Health of Females Compared to the Men Population?

Abstract

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers and scientists in different domains have tried to study the various aspects of this virus to identify a future solution and strategy for managing similar crises. Physical activity and psychological health were the most important subjects. Our research aimed to explore the change in physical activity behavior in Saudi citizens during the COVID-19 outbreak and its relationship with psychological health in the three most affected regions of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was designed by multidisciplinary academic specialists in physical activity and psychology and shared in the Arabic language through an electronic form. The participant were 2980 voluntaries, including 1508 women and 1472 men participate in this study. Results show a significant relationship between PA groups, gender variables and psychological health. The percentage of active females increased from 40% to 50% during the COVID-19 outbreak compared to before. Active women seem less affected in psychological health by confinement than inactive women and men. We found a significant difference between active and inactive women, in depression level, Anxiety and somatic symptoms. In conclusion, this study highlighted the importance of physical activity during the COVID-19 outbreak in KSA specially for women. It also suggests that physical activity can be a solution to fight the negative effect of future similar pandemics on psychological health.