The impact of physical activity on psychological well-being and perceived health status during coronavirus pandemic in university students

Abstract

ObjectivesTo investigate changes in moderate and vigorous physical activity (PA), and find correlation with psychological well-being and perceived health status in university students prior to versus 4–6 weeks following the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic MethodsRegistered students to the 2020/2021 academic year participated in an online survey representing four Hungarian universities in the framework of “COVID-19 International Student Well-being Study” project. Moderate and vigorous PA were measured with a single question, psychological well-being was evaluated using the Center for Epidemiological Studies − Depression Scale (CES-D) short form and perceived health status on the 11-point Cantril ladder respectively. Statistical analyses were calculated using SPSS 26.0 software ResultsA total of 2779 Hungarian citizen students completed the questionnaire and 2162 (27.7% males) provided full information on PA. Mean age was 24.52 (SD = 7.15) years. A significant decrease was observed in moderate PA prior to and during social isolation (Z = -14.956; p < .001). Students mean well-being was 10.23, SD = 5.28)/32. After analyzing changes (decreased, unchanged, increased) of PA in the context of well-being, it was found students with reduced PA had significantly less favorable scores on well-being scale than students who unchanged or increased their PA level, both in moderate (F = 32.35; p < .001) and vigorous (F = 21.44; p < .001) PA. Regarding the perceived health status there was significant reduction during the pandemic (M = 7.58, SD = 2.19) compared to the preceding period (M = 7.94, SD = 1.85; p < .001). This reduction was most notable in the group that reduced PA ConclusionsThe closure of universities and sport facilities unfavorably influenced the students’ previous PA level. Based on the result, there is a negative relationship between PA and psychological wellbeing also between PA and perceived health status. Universities may pay more attention to keep their students physically active even during a pandemic as it may be far from being over yet.