Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has become a public health emergency of international concern, which may have affected lifestyle habits and mental health. Based on national health profile assessments, this study investigated perceived changes of lifestyle habits in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and associations between perceived lifestyle changes and mental health in Swedish working adults. Among 5599 individuals (50% women, 46.3 years), the majority reported no change (sitting 77%, daily physical activity 71%, exercise 69%, diet 87%, alcohol 90%, and smoking 97%) due to the pandemic. Changes were more pronounced during the first wave (April–June) compared to the second (October–December). Women, individuals <60 years, those with a university degree, white-collar workers, and those with unhealthy lifestyle habits at baseline had higher odds of changing lifestyle habits compared to their counterparts. Negative changes in lifestyle habits and more time in a mentally passive state sitting at home were associated with higher odds of mental ill-health (including health anxiety regarding one’s own and relatives’ health, generalized anxiety and depression symptoms, and concerns regarding employment and economy). The results emphasize the need to support healthy lifestyle habits to strengthen the resilience in vulnerable groups of individuals to future viral pandemics and prevent health inequalities in society.
Highlights
IntroductionConfinement, social distancing, and even full lockdowns have been implemented
We noted that the pandemic impacted some segments of the population more than others; women, individuals
Our findings suggest only small perceived changes in lifestyle habits, including time sitting, daily physical activity (PA), exercise, diet, alcohol, and smoking in men and women from the Swedish working population in relation to the first two COVID-19 pandemic waves
Summary
Confinement, social distancing, and even full lockdowns have been implemented Under such circumstances, there is a risk for radical changes of lifestyle habits such as physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, smoking, diet, and alcohol consumption, which have all been previously linked to morbidity and pre-mortality [1,2,3,4]. There is a risk for radical changes of lifestyle habits such as physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, smoking, diet, and alcohol consumption, which have all been previously linked to morbidity and pre-mortality [1,2,3,4] Both short and long bouts of regular PA have been shown to improve physical and mental health in both children and adults [1,5,6]
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