Abstract
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cities and states adopted social distancing, social isolation, or quarantine measurements to slow the transmission of the disease. Negative mental health outcomes including depression and anxiety have been associated with social distancing or social isolation. The purpose of the present study was to examine changes in psychological health and physical activity over an 8 week period under social distancing policies during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: Ninety (73.3% female; age 32.04 ± 11.33) individuals participated in this study. Qualifying participants answered questions using an online survey regarding their loneliness, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, mood state, and physical activity over four time points each lasting two weeks.Results: Symptoms of depression and state anxiety were increased in the population when compared to nationwide statistics from before the COVID-19 pandemic. Time point 2, ~1 month into social isolation, showed the most significant effects on mental health. During this time point, 100% of the participants showed symptoms of depression. There were no significant changes in physical activity over the 8 weeks. Loneliness, depressive symptoms, fatigue, and mood state were negatively associated with participation in physical activity. Vigor and state anxiety were associated with participation in physical activity.Conclusion: Social isolation and social distancing practices have had a negative effect on depression, anxiety, and mood over time. It appeared that depressive symptoms and total mood disturbance was elevated during time point two. Depressive symptoms were much higher than average compared to previous epidemiological data. Physical activity amount did not change over time but was associated with poor mental health.
Highlights
State and local governments in the United States introduced social distancing policies that began early spring of 2020 in response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic
The current study examined mental health and physical activity for 8 weeks following the implementation of “safer at home” orders in Oklahoma
The current study found higher rates for symptoms of anxiety at all time points compared to nationwide statistics pre-COVID-19
Summary
State and local governments in the United States introduced social distancing policies that began early spring of 2020 in response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. To mitigate the spread of the disease; shelter in place and stay at home orders were mandated leading to lifestyle modifications. These orders encouraged individuals to work from home, utilize telecommunication methods, and reduce activities outside the home to essential errands. To slow the spread of the virus, self-quarantine, social isolation, and social distancing were encouraged and included closing of places of worship and businesses including gyms and restaurants. While social distancing and stay at home orders were essential for slowing transmission of the virus, it increased the risk that these interventions could have detrimental effects on physical and psychological health. Loneliness (Page and Hammermeister, 1995; Hawkley et al, 2009; Richard et al, 2017; Schrempft et al, 2019; Creese et al, 2020), and mental health disturbances (Mayou et al, 2000; Brummett et al, 2003; Stewart et al, 2003; Van Gool et al, 2003; Allan et al, 2007; Da Silva et al, 2012; Legey et al, 2017; Stubbs et al, 2017; Creese et al, 2020; López-Bueno et al, 2020; Stanton et al, 2020) can increase behaviors that promote sedentary behavior and decrease overall physical activity (Biddle, 2016; Creese et al, 2020)
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