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Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic
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Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Behavior, Chronic Disease and Health Promotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 March 2023) | Viewed by 108036

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Rubén López-Bueno

E-Mail Website
Collection Editor
Department of Physical Medicine and Nursing, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
Interests: health habits; diet; physical activity; screen time; lifestyle; physical fitness; occupational health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Yasmín Ezzatvar

E-Mail Website
Collection Editor
Exercise Intervention for Health Research Group (EXINH-RG), Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
Interests: health habits; pain; exercise; musculoskeletal disorders; occupational health; neuroscience; physical fitness
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Guillermo Felipe López Sánchez

E-Mail Website
Collection Editor
Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Murcia, 30720 Murcia, Spain
Interests: health habits; diet; physical activity; screen time; lifestyle; physical fitness; occupational health; sedentarism
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Lee Smith

grade E-Mail Website
Collection Editor
Cambridge Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 2LZ, UK
Interests: systematic reviews; epidemiology; health behaviours; mental health; physical health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue “Health-Related Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic” in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is open for the submission of manuscripts. This peer-reviewed scientific journal publishes articles and communications in the area of environmental health sciences and public health, with an impact factor of 3.390. For detailed information on the journal, go to https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph.

Although it is well-known that confinement-related measures contribute to slow down the spread of SARS-CoV-2, this might also imply a radical change in the lifestyle of the population, disrupting usual daily activities. These changes of health-related behaviors such as insufficient physical activity, lower fruit or vegetable consumption, higher screen exposure, or alcohol consumption above the recommended levels might have negative effects on health. Further, the potential change of daily routines due to restriction measures might vary the schedules and family-related planification involving different occupational habits (e.g., higher sitting time, longer working days, or different movement patterns), which might influence either musculoskeletal or mental health.

For this Special Issue, high-quality observational, experimental, and review studies that provide evidence about the status of health-related behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic and their potential consequences over health are welcomed.

Dr. Rubén López-Bueno
Dr. Yasmín Ezzatvar
Dr. Guillermo Felipe López Sánchez
Dr. Lee Smith
Collection Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • physical activity
  • exercise
  • diet
  • health habits
  • physical fitness
  • occupational health
  • lifestyle
  • screen time
  • sleep time
  • mental health

Published Papers (26 papers)

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9 pages, 466 KiB  
Article
Factors Related to COVID-19-Preventive Behaviors among Flight Attendants
by Chia-Yi Fang, Chia-Jung Hu and Yih-Jin Hu
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 10201; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610201 - 17 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1252
Abstract
The health and safety of airline employees have been important issues during the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The exposure of flight attendants to passengers with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection without protective equipment is known to cause in-flight transmission and [...] Read more.
The health and safety of airline employees have been important issues during the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The exposure of flight attendants to passengers with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection without protective equipment is known to cause in-flight transmission and the worldwide spread of the virus. However, very few studies have focused on flight attendants’ COVID-19-preventive behaviors and related factors. This cross-sectional study was performed to investigate relationships between COVID-19-preventive behaviors and relevant factors in a convenience sample of flight attendants. In total, 261 flight attendants working for two international airlines were recruited. A self-developed questionnaire was used to assess participants’ COVID-19 information-seeking behavior, perceived susceptibility, severity, self-efficacy, and preventive behaviors. Analysis of variance and Pearson’s correlation analysis were performed to analyze COVID-19 preventive behaviors according to socio-demographic and COVID-19-related factors. Multiple regression analysis was used to predict the flight attendants’ COVID-19-preventive behaviors. The factors that primarily influenced participants’ COVID-19-preventive behaviors were gender (women; β = 0.17, p < 0.001), information-seeking behavior (β = 0.39, p < 0.000), perceived severity (β = 0.130, p < 0.05), and self-efficacy (β = 0.17, p < 0.05). These factors explained 30.6% of the variance in COVID-19-preventive behaviors among flight attendants. Identification of the preventive behaviors performed by this population is important, as it aids the development of strategies to enhance such behaviors, thereby reducing the in-flight spread of COVID-19. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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13 pages, 872 KiB  
Article
Information Seeking and Processing during the Outbreak of COVID-19 in Taiwan: Examining the Effects of Emotions and Informational Subjective Norms
by Shu-Chu Sarrina Li, Shih-Yu Lo, Tai-Yee Wu and Te-Lin Chen
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9532; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159532 - 03 Aug 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1508
Abstract
Adopting the model of risk information seeking and processing (RISP) as a theoretical framework, the objective of this study was to investigate the factors that prompted individuals’ information-seeking and -processing behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan. There were two unique aspects in [...] Read more.
Adopting the model of risk information seeking and processing (RISP) as a theoretical framework, the objective of this study was to investigate the factors that prompted individuals’ information-seeking and -processing behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan. There were two unique aspects in this study: one was to adopt specific emotions to investigate the impact of negative emotions, and the other was to examine the effect of informational subjective norms (ISNs) on information-seeking and -processing behavior. An online survey was conducted by a professional polling company, and a stratified random sampling method was employed, using gender, age, education, personal income, and residential areas as strata to select participants. This study obtained 1100 valid questionnaires. The results showed that (1) risk perception did not exert any significant impacts on respondents’ perceived information insufficiency; (2) risk perception exerted a powerful impact on respondents’ ISNs, which, in turn, positively affected their information insufficiency; (3) the respondents who experienced fear were found to have a high probability of using a systematic-processing mode, while the respondents who experienced anger were more likely to adopt a heuristic-processing mode to process information; and (4) the use of a systematic-processing mode was positively associated, while the use of a heuristic-processing mode was negatively associated, with information-seeking behavior. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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9 pages, 823 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Charlson Comorbidity Index on the Functional Capacity of COVID-19 Survivors: A Prospective Cohort Study with One-Year Follow-Up
by Rodrigo Núñez-Cortés, Constanza Malhue-Vidal, Florencia Gath, Gonzalo Valdivia-Lobos, Rodrigo Torres-Castro, Carlos Cruz-Montecinos, Francisco M. Martinez-Arnau, Sofía Pérez-Alenda, Rubén López-Bueno and Joaquín Calatayud
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7473; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127473 - 18 Jun 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2273
Abstract
Objective: To determine the association between the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score after discharge with 6-min walk test (6MWT) 1 year after discharge in a cohort of COVID-19 survivors. Methods: In this prospective study, data were collected from a consecutive sample of patients [...] Read more.
Objective: To determine the association between the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score after discharge with 6-min walk test (6MWT) 1 year after discharge in a cohort of COVID-19 survivors. Methods: In this prospective study, data were collected from a consecutive sample of patients hospitalized for COVID-19. The CCI score was calculated from the comorbidity data. The main outcome was the distance walked in the 6MWT at 1 year after discharge. Associations between CCI and meters covered in the 6MWT were assessed through crude and adjusted linear regressions. The model was adjusted for possible confounding factors (sex, days of hospitalization, and basal physical capacity through sit-to-stand test one month after discharge). Results: A total of 41 patients were included (mean age 58.8 ± 12.7 years, 20/21 men/women). A significant association was observed between CCI and 6MWT (meters): (i) crude model: β = −18.7, 95% CI = −34.7 to −2.6, p < 0.05; (ii) model adjusted for propensity score including sex, days of hospitalization, and sit-to-stand: β = −23.0, 95% CI = −39.1 to −6.8, p < 0.05. Conclusions: A higher CCI score after discharge indicates worse performance on the 6MWT at 1-year follow-up in COVID-19 survivors. The CCI score could also be used as a screening tool to make important clinical decisions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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12 pages, 345 KiB  
Article
COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts on Children with Developmental Disabilities: Service Disruption, Transition to Telehealth, and Child Wellbeing
by Saijun Zhang, Ying Hao, Yali Feng and Na Youn Lee
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3259; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063259 - 10 Mar 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2497
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in substantial service disruption and transition from in-person services to telehealth for children with developmental disabilities. However, there is limited knowledge about the specific dimensions and consequences of the disruption and transition. This study aims to examine the [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in substantial service disruption and transition from in-person services to telehealth for children with developmental disabilities. However, there is limited knowledge about the specific dimensions and consequences of the disruption and transition. This study aims to examine the extent of service disruption and transition, the experiences of client children and their caregivers with telehealth vis-à-vis in-person services, and the impacts of the disruption and transition on child wellbeing. The cross-sectional study collected data from parents of children with developmental disabilities using an online survey. McNemar’s tests were used to compare service changes before and after the pandemic outbreak, and multivariate analyses were used to examine how service changes were associated with child wellbeing. Results show that more than two-thirds of the children experienced reduction in service amount, and one-third lost services for more than two months in about five months into the pandemic. While telehealth had comparable features relative to in-person services, it had lower ratings with respect to diagnostic accuracy, treatment effectiveness, and rapport building. Service disruption/transition and social isolation were associated with behavioral and emotional deterioration in children. However, child and family stress may have confounded these adverse effects. We concluded that the magnitude of service disruption and transition was large in the first half year after the pandemic outbreak, and the amount and duration of service loss varied substantially across clients. Diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficacy, and rapport building were areas in which parents had major concerns toward telehealth relative to in-person services. However, such drawbacks may partially be due to the limited logistics in telehealth implementation during the pandemic. Service disruption and transition seemed to contribute to family stress, which played a direct role in eroding child wellbeing. Implications of these findings for future research and practices are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
12 pages, 834 KiB  
Article
How Course Support and Academic Support Impact on Chinese Graduate Students during the COVID-19: The Multiple Mediating Roles of Thesis Writing and Anxiety
by Zhengyan Liang, Qing Zeng, Minqiang Zhang, Huijun Luo, Sijuan Huang, Jia Li and Da Yi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010265 - 27 Dec 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3004
Abstract
Because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the learning style of graduate students has changed considerably, making them more susceptible to psychological problems. This study aimed to explore the mediating roles of thesis writing and anxiety between course support (including course-arrangement, course-assessment, [...] Read more.
Because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the learning style of graduate students has changed considerably, making them more susceptible to psychological problems. This study aimed to explore the mediating roles of thesis writing and anxiety between course support (including course-arrangement, course-assessment, and course-learning), academic support (including academic exchange with colleges, tutors and schoolmates) and depression. There were 3137 graduate students investigated by self-developed Graduate Students’ Academic Affected Questionnaire, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale. The results showed that (1) 82% of graduate students reported their course support, academic support and thesis writing were affected to varying degrees; (2) course support and academic support correlated with thesis writing, anxiety and depression (p < 0.001); (3) the mediation model fitted well, the mediating effect of anxiety between academic support and depression was significant (β = 0.086, SE = 0.02, p < 0.001), the serial multiple mediating effects of thesis writing and anxiety between academic support and depression were significant (β = 0.02, SE = 0.008, p = 0.013) and the serial multiple mediating effects of thesis writing and anxiety between course support and depression were also found to be significant (β = 0.014, SE = 0.006, p = 0.014). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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8 pages, 347 KiB  
Article
Association between Anxious and Depressive Symptomatology and Sexual Activity in Spain: A Cross-Sectional Study during the COVID-19 Quarantine
by Alejandro Gil-Salmerón, Guillermo F. López-Sánchez, Rubén López-Bueno, Shahina Pardhan, Igor Grabovac and Lee Smith
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010147 - 23 Dec 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2702
Abstract
Introduction: Evidence on sexual behaviour and COVID-19 shows a change in sexual habits; however, there is no research on the association between mental health and sexual activity. Aim: To examine the relationship between mental health and sexual activity during the quarantine in Spanish [...] Read more.
Introduction: Evidence on sexual behaviour and COVID-19 shows a change in sexual habits; however, there is no research on the association between mental health and sexual activity. Aim: To examine the relationship between mental health and sexual activity during the quarantine in Spanish adults. Methods: A sample of 305 adults filled out an online questionnaire. Sexual activity was assessed with one question. Anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), respectively. To check associations between levels of both anxiety and depressive symptoms (exposure) and weekly prevalence of sexual activity (outcome), we conducted multiple logistic regression adjusted for control variables (marital status, employment, average household annual income, place of living, pre-COVID-19 sexual activity, current smoking, current alcohol consumption, chronic physical conditions, chronic psychiatric conditions, physical symptoms, and days of confinement). Results: Higher depression level was associated with lower weekly sexual activity in a dose-response fashion in the three implemented models. Participants with higher levels of depression were associated with significantly lower sexual activity in the fully adjusted model (OR: 0.09, 95% CI 0.01–0.61). Mild anxiety-level participants consistently presented significantly lower ORs for lower sexual activity than their minimal-anxiety category counterparts. Particularly, the fully adjusted model showed the lower values (OR: 0.40, 95% CI 0.19–0.84). Conclusion: The results of this study support existing evidence stressing the association between mental health and sexual activity in quarantined adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
14 pages, 964 KiB  
Article
To Be (Vaccinated) or Not to Be: The Effect of Media Exposure, Institutional Trust, and Incentives on Attitudes toward COVID-19 Vaccination
by Dorit Zimand-Sheiner, Ofrit Kol, Smadar Frydman and Shalom Levy
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 12894; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182412894 - 07 Dec 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4235
Abstract
The COVID-19 vaccine has become a strategic vehicle for reducing the spread of the pandemic. However, the uptake of the vaccine by the public is more complicated than simply making it available. Based on social learning theory, this study examines the role of [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 vaccine has become a strategic vehicle for reducing the spread of the pandemic. However, the uptake of the vaccine by the public is more complicated than simply making it available. Based on social learning theory, this study examines the role of communication sources and institutional trust as barriers and incentives as motivators of people’s attitudes toward vaccination and actual vaccination. Data were collected via an online panel survey among Israelis aged 18–55 and then analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings show that social media trust negatively mediates the effect of exposure to information on the vaccine on attitudes toward vaccination. However, mass media trust and institutional trust positively mediate this relationship. Incentives were effective motivators for forming positive attitudes and moderating the effect of institutional trust on attitude toward vaccination. This study facilitates a deeper understanding of health communication theory in pandemics and makes important recommendations for practitioners and policy makers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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18 pages, 830 KiB  
Article
The Evolution of Telepractice Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives of Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologists
by Ying Hao, Saijun Zhang, Austin Conner and Na Youn Lee
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(22), 12197; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182212197 - 20 Nov 2021
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3823
Abstract
The study investigated how pediatric speech-language pathologists (SLPs) applied telepractice to compensate for the loss of in-person services and the dynamics of telepractice use during the COVID-19 pandemic in a rural state. We conducted interviews with 10 SLPs and then a statewide survey [...] Read more.
The study investigated how pediatric speech-language pathologists (SLPs) applied telepractice to compensate for the loss of in-person services and the dynamics of telepractice use during the COVID-19 pandemic in a rural state. We conducted interviews with 10 SLPs and then a statewide survey in which 51 SLPs participated. The qualitative interviews revealed themes including changes in service environment due to the pandemic (e.g., transition to telepractice, losing clients), challenges in the transition to telepractice (e.g., limited training, difficulty engaging clients), worsening wellbeing of clinicians and clients, and SLPs’ perspectives and suggestions towards telepractice in the future. Survey results showed service disruptions and transition dynamics during the pandemic. SLPs’ weekly caseloads reduced from an average of 42.3 clients prior to the pandemic to 25.9 and 23.4 from March to May and from June to September 2020, respectively, and then recovered to 37.2 clients from October to December 2020. In contrast, the number of telepractice caseloads sharply increased from 0.2 clients per week prior to the pandemic to 14.8 from March to May 2020. The weekly telepractice caseloads then declined to 5.5 clients from June to September and 7.9 clients from October to December 2020. In the months right after the pandemic outbreak (i.e., March to May), client children struggled with treatment gains and behavioral wellbeing. However, their outcomes gradually improved by October to December and approached pre-pandemic levels. About one-third of the SLPs reported that they would be more likely or much more likely to use telepractice in the future regardless of the pandemic. However, only about a quarter perceived telepractice as comparable to in-person services. We concluded that the transition from in-person services to telepractice substantially mitigated service disruptions right after the pandemic outbreak and that telepractice’s substitute role evolved over time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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8 pages, 317 KiB  
Article
Association between Regular Exercise and Self-Rated Health and Sleep Quality among Adults in Japan during the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Hyuma Makizako, Ryoji Kiyama, Daisaku Nishimoto, Ikuko Nishio, Tomomi Masumitsu, Yuriko Ikeda, Misako Hisamatsu, Sachiko Shimizu, Masami Mizuno, Mikiyo Wakamatsu, Naomi Inoue, Takayuki Tabira, Tadasu Ohshige, Ayako Yamashita, Satoshi Nagano and KU-OHL Project Team
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10515; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910515 - 07 Oct 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3517
Abstract
Regular exercise may be associated with better self-rated health and sleep status. However, this correlation among various age groups, such as young, middle-aged, and older people, as well as during the COVID-19 pandemic, has not been examined. This study examined the correlation between [...] Read more.
Regular exercise may be associated with better self-rated health and sleep status. However, this correlation among various age groups, such as young, middle-aged, and older people, as well as during the COVID-19 pandemic, has not been examined. This study examined the correlation between regular exercise and self-rated health and sleep quality among adults in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected using an online survey conducted between February 26 and 27, 2021. A total of 1410 adults in Japan (age range, 20–86 years) completed the online survey. Regular exercise was divided into: (1) more than 30 min of moderate exercise a day, (2) more than 2 days per week, and (3) continuous for 1 year or longer. Self-rated health and sleep quality were assessed using the Likert scale. After adjusting for multiple confounders, regular exercise was correlated with decreased poor self-rated health and poor sleep quality in middle-aged adults; however, no significant correlation was observed among young and older adults. The promotion of regular exercise among middle-aged people during the COVID-19 pandemic may contribute to better self-rated health and sleep quality status. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
10 pages, 333 KiB  
Article
Insufficient Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors among Medical Students during the COVID-19 Lockdown: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study in Pakistan
by Irfan Ullah, Md. Saiful Islam, Sajjad Ali, Hashaam Jamil, Muhammad Junaid Tahir, Aatik Arsh, Jaffer Shah and Sheikh Mohammed Shariful Islam
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10257; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910257 - 29 Sep 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4894
Abstract
Background: The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in social distancing and isolation which leads to insufficient physical activity and thereby increases sedentary behaviors. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of insufficient physical activity and sedentary behaviors among medical students during the [...] Read more.
Background: The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in social distancing and isolation which leads to insufficient physical activity and thereby increases sedentary behaviors. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of insufficient physical activity and sedentary behaviors among medical students during the COVID-19 lockdown in Pakistan, and to determine their associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was carried out among 407 medical students from the Punjab and Sindh provinces between May and June 2020. To collect data, an e-questionnaire was sent to obtain informed consent along with questions concerning socio-demographics as well as an International Physical Activity Questionnaires–Short Form (IPAQ–SF). Results: As per the IPAQ, almost five in ten participants were physically inactive (48.2%), and 45.2% reported sedentary behaviors. Participants with insufficient physical activity were more likely to report sedentary behaviors than their counterparts (AOR = 2.53; 95% CI = 1.66–3.85, p < 0.001). The odds of insufficient physical activity were higher among the participants who did not strictly follow the COVID-19 preventive measures (AOR = 2.51; 95% CI = 1.35–4.69, p = 0.004); similarly, there were increased odds of sedentary behaviors observed among participants within a normal weight range compared to those who were underweight (AOR = 2.69; 95% CI = 1.76–4.11, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Insufficient physical activity and sedentary behavior are prevalent among medical students in Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings indicate the importance of establishing tailored policies and programs to encourage young adults to engage in physical activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
17 pages, 1566 KiB  
Article
Teens’ Social Media Engagement during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Time Series Examination of Posting and Emotion on Reddit
by Saijun Zhang, Meirong Liu, Yeefay Li and Jae Eun Chung
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10079; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910079 - 25 Sep 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 11762
Abstract
Research has rarely examined how the COVID-19 pandemic may affect teens’ social media engagement and psychological wellbeing, and even less research has compared the difference between teens with and without mental health concerns. We collected and analyzed weekly data from January to December [...] Read more.
Research has rarely examined how the COVID-19 pandemic may affect teens’ social media engagement and psychological wellbeing, and even less research has compared the difference between teens with and without mental health concerns. We collected and analyzed weekly data from January to December 2020 from teens in four Reddit communities (subreddits), including teens in r/Teenagers and teens who participated in three mental health subreddits (r/Depression, r/Anxiety, and r/SuicideWatch). The results showed that teens’ weekly subreddit participation, posting/commenting frequency, and emotion expression were related to significant pandemic events. Teen Redditors on r/Teenagers had a higher posting/commenting frequency but lower negative emotion than teen Redditors on the three mental health subreddits. When comparing posts/comments on r/Teenagers, teens who ever visited one of the three mental health subreddits posted/commented twice as frequently as teens who did not, but their emotion expression was similar. The results from the Interrupted Time Series Analysis (ITSA) indicated that both teens with and without mental health concerns reversed the trend in posting frequency and negative emotion from declining to increasing right after the pandemic outbreak, and teens with mental health concerns had a more rapidly increasing trend in posting/commenting. The findings suggest that teens’ social media engagement and emotion expression reflect the pandemic evolution. Teens with mental health concerns are more likely to reveal their emotions on specialized mental health subreddits rather than on the general r/Teenagers subreddit. In addition, the findings indicated that teens with mental health concerns had a strong social interaction desire that various barriers in the real world may inhibit. The findings call for more attention to understand the pandemic’s influence on teens by monitoring and analyzing social media data and offering adequate support to teens regarding their mental health wellbeing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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9 pages, 511 KiB  
Article
University Students’ Lifestyle Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Four-Wave Longitudinal Survey
by Aurélie Goncalves, Sarah Le Vigouroux and Elodie Charbonnier
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 8998; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18178998 - 26 Aug 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4810
Abstract
Many studies have highlighted the impact of lockdowns on the lifestyle of university students. We do not, however, know how these lifestyles have changed over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of the present study was to describe changes in the [...] Read more.
Many studies have highlighted the impact of lockdowns on the lifestyle of university students. We do not, however, know how these lifestyles have changed over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of the present study was to describe changes in the levels of physical activity, sedentary behaviors, and alcohol consumption in French university students during different periods of the pandemic. This cohort study was conducted between 23 April and 11 December 2020. Measurements were performed four times: Twice during two successive lockdowns and twice during the intervening period. A total of 1294 university students were initially included, and 91 students completed the four measurement points over a seven-month period. Alcohol consumption, physical activity, and sedentary behaviors were measured. The results revealed high levels of physical activity during the first lockdown, but a subsequent decline during the pandemic that was partly explained by time. The pandemic had a positive effect on alcohol consumption. Sedentary levels were higher during both lockdowns, and sedentary behaviors tended to persist over time. This study raises concerns about the long-term effects of the pandemic on students’ health and lifestyle. The preponderance of distance learning should be reconsidered, given the negative impact of physical inactivity and sedentary behavior on long-term health, especially in young adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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30 pages, 706 KiB  
Article
The Health Behaviour of German Outpatient Caregivers in Relation to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Study
by Natascha Mojtahedzadeh, Felix Alexander Neumann, Elisabeth Rohwer, Albert Nienhaus, Matthias Augustin, Volker Harth, Birgit-Christiane Zyriax and Stefanie Mache
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 8213; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18158213 - 03 Aug 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3925
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected outpatient caregivers in a particular way. While the German population becomes increasingly older, the number of people in need of care has also increased. The health and, thus, the health behaviour of employees in the outpatient care become [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected outpatient caregivers in a particular way. While the German population becomes increasingly older, the number of people in need of care has also increased. The health and, thus, the health behaviour of employees in the outpatient care become relevant to maintain working capacity and performance in the long term. The aims of the study were (1) to examine the health behaviour and (2) to explore pandemic-related perceived change of health behaviour among outpatient caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a mixed-methods study, 15 problem-centred interviews and a web-based cross-sectional survey (N = 171) were conducted with outpatient caregivers working in Northern Germany. Interviewees reported partially poorer eating behaviour, higher coffee consumption, lower physical activity, skipping breaks more often and less sleep duration and quality during the pandemic. Some quantitative findings indicate the same tendencies. A majority of participants were smokers and reported higher stress perception due to the pandemic. Preventive behaviour, such as wearing PPE or hand hygiene, was increased among interviewees compared to the pre-pandemic period. Our findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic could negatively affect outpatient caregivers’ health behaviour, e.g., eating/drinking behaviour and physical activity. Therefore, employers in outpatient care should develop workplace health promotion measures to support their employees in conducting more health-promoting behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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15 pages, 422 KiB  
Article
Anxiety and Worries among Pregnant Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multilevel Analysis
by Sara Esteban-Gonzalo, María Caballero-Galilea, Juan Luis González-Pascual, Miguel Álvaro-Navidad and Laura Esteban-Gonzalo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 6875; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18136875 - 26 Jun 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3557
Abstract
Background. Several studies have identified pregnant women as a vulnerable group during the COVID-19 pandemic. The perinatal period has been identified as a stage of great risk for the mental health of pregnant women, due to a large increase in mental pathologies [...] Read more.
Background. Several studies have identified pregnant women as a vulnerable group during the COVID-19 pandemic. The perinatal period has been identified as a stage of great risk for the mental health of pregnant women, due to a large increase in mental pathologies during this period. In this context, the objective of the present study was to assess the associations between socioeconomic and demographic factors, health concerns and health information management, and anxiety level during the COVID-19 pandemic in pregnant Spanish women. Method. The sample of this cross-sectional study was comprised of 353 pregnant women, aged 18 or older and residing in Spain. Data collection was carried out from 1 June to 30 September 2020. Participants were recruited from Quirónsalud University Hospital of Madrid. Multilevel regression models were built to value the associations between demographic factors, health concerns and health information management, and anxiety level during the COVID-19 pandemic among pregnant women. Results. Reduced working hours and income due to the COVID-19 pandemic were related to increased anxiety levels, as was the level of concern about COVID-19 symptoms, potential complications, contagion and consequences for the baby. Worries caused by restrictive measures adopted against COVID-19 and resulting isolation, delivery, postpartum and breastfeeding were also associated with increased anxiety levels. Being a separated or divorced woman and being informed to a greater extent by a midwife were related to lower anxiety levels. An increase in the degree of information obtained about COVID-19 symptoms, complications, contagion and consequences for the baby, restrictive measures and isolation adopted against COVID-19, delivery, postpartum and breastfeeding, were also related to decreased anxiety levels. Conclusions. The most vulnerable future mothers in terms of anxiety levels are those with reduced working hours and income due to the COVID-19 pandemic, those with a higher level of concern and who had access to a lesser degree of information about COVID-19 (symptoms and complications, contagion and consequences on the baby, restrictive measures and isolation, delivery, postpartum and breastfeeding), as well as pregnant women who have obtained information about COVID-19 during pregnancy from TV. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
8 pages, 320 KiB  
Article
Effect of a Warm-Up Protocol with and without Facemask-Use against COVID-19 on Cognitive Function: A Pilot, Randomized Counterbalanced, Cross-Sectional Study
by Maamer Slimani, Bianca Miarka, Hela Znazen, Wassim Moalla, Amri Hammami, Armin Paravlic and Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5885; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115885 - 30 May 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3469
Abstract
The present study aimed to verify the effect of a warm-up protocol with and without facemask-use on cognitive function. The sample was composed of 17 healthy, non-smoking physical education students (age = 17.6 years, height = 1.71 m, and body mass = 69.7 [...] Read more.
The present study aimed to verify the effect of a warm-up protocol with and without facemask-use on cognitive function. The sample was composed of 17 healthy, non-smoking physical education students (age = 17.6 years, height = 1.71 m, and body mass = 69.7 kg). They were randomized to perform 15 min of warm-up exercises, while wearing a cloth facemask (EXP) or no mask (CON) on two separate occasions, with at least 48-h separating conditions. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and d2 Attention assessment were used to verify cognitive function, using a repeated measures general linear model. The warm-up improved cognitive abilities and the results demonstrated significant differences between the EXP vs. CON groups in post-concentration performance (186.06 ± 15.47 EXP-score vs. 178.12 ± 13.66 CON-score), post the total number of errors (23.47 ± 14.50 EXP-frequency < 29.06 ± 13.74 CON-frequency), and in the post RPE (6.0 ± 1.37 EXP-index > 4.7 ± 0.85 CON-index). Wearing a cloth facemask caused positive effects on cognitive function. This data suggests that wearing a cloth facemask during warm-up may stimulate/improve the cognitive function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
10 pages, 867 KiB  
Article
Pain Status and Its Association with Physical Activity, Psychological Stress, and Telework among Japanese Workers with Pain during the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Takahiko Yoshimoto, Tomoko Fujii, Hiroyuki Oka, Satoshi Kasahara, Kayo Kawamata and Ko Matsudaira
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5595; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115595 - 24 May 2021
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4186
Abstract
Changes in working styles and physical activities, and an increase in psychological stress during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, may have affected pain conditions among workers with pain; however, these associations are still poorly understood. Therefore, we conducted a web-based, cross-sectional study [...] Read more.
Changes in working styles and physical activities, and an increase in psychological stress during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, may have affected pain conditions among workers with pain; however, these associations are still poorly understood. Therefore, we conducted a web-based, cross-sectional study to investigate these changes among Japanese workers suffering from pain. A total of 1941 workers who were aged 20–64 years and suffered from body pain within 4 weeks prior to the study were included. Information was collected using a self-reported questionnaire between July and August 2020. Among the respondents, 15% reported that their pain worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately half of the workers claimed to have decreased physical activity (47%) and increased psychological stress (47%) during the pandemic. Multivariable logistic regression analyses found that telework (odds ratio 2.27, 95% confidence interval 1.68–3.06), decreased physical activity (3.18, 2.38–4.27), and increased psychological stress (2.16, 1.64–2.84) were associated significantly with pain augmentation. The group of workers who participated in telework and had decreased physical activity comprised the highest proportion of those with augmented pain. Our findings suggest that measures, which consider physical activities, psychological aspects, and working styles, to alleviate pain may be required for the working population in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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9 pages, 326 KiB  
Article
Depressive Symptomatology and Practice of Safety Measures among Undergraduate Students during COVID-19: Impact of Gender
by Badr K. Aldhmadi, Rakesh Kumar, Ramaiah Itumalla and Bilesha Perera
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4924; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094924 - 05 May 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2525
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the personal and academic lives of undergraduates in Saudi Arabia. Although studies have suggested that COVID-19 increased the prevalence of psychological health problems among undergraduates, the associations between the risk of depression and safety practices and the [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the personal and academic lives of undergraduates in Saudi Arabia. Although studies have suggested that COVID-19 increased the prevalence of psychological health problems among undergraduates, the associations between the risk of depression and safety practices and the influence of gender on these associations have not been studied in detail. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among preparatory-year undergraduates in a large public university in Saudi Arabia during the outbreak. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale, and the practice of eight precautionary behaviors was also assessed. Data analysis was performed using the chi-square test, multiple linear regression and Spearman’s correlation coefficient. In total, 3044 undergraduates were surveyed. The mean age was 18.6 years (SD = 0.84), and 61.9% (n = 1883) of the participants were female. Overall, 47.7% of the participants reported having elevated depressive symptoms. Overall mean values of CES-D scores were higher among female undergraduates than that of male undergraduates (18.08 versus 15.56, p < 0.01). There were inverse and weak but significant relationships between the CES-D score and frequent cleaning of hands (male: r = −0.116, p < 0.01; female: r = −0.098, p < 0.01), wearing a mask when going out (male: r = −0.172, p < 0.01; female: r = −0.135, p < 0.01), keeping social distance (male: r = −0.117, p < 0.01; female: r = −0.147, p < 0.01), and covering the nose when sneezing (male: r = −0.202, p < 0.01; female: r = −0.115, p < 0.01). Regression analysis indicated that adherence to precautionary measures was a strong predictor of reduction of depressive symptoms in the target population. Male gender was also found to be an independent predictor of reduction of depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms were highly prevalent in this target group, and female undergraduates seemed to be more vulnerable to developing such symptoms. Results also indicated that female undergraduates were more likely to implement the protective measures for COVID-19. The promotion of precautionary measures seems to be effective in reducing distress in this target population, but further research is needed to confirm our assertions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
13 pages, 362 KiB  
Article
Nonattendance at Scheduled Appointments in Outpatient Clinics Due to COVID-19 and Related Factors in Taiwan: A Health Belief Model Approach
by Yi-Ping Hsieh, Cheng-Fang Yen, Chia-Fen Wu and Peng-Wei Wang
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4445; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094445 - 22 Apr 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2866
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of hospital visits and attendance at scheduled appointments have dropped significantly. We used the health belief model (in three dimensions) to examine the determinants of non-attendance of scheduled appointments in outpatient clinics due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [...] Read more.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of hospital visits and attendance at scheduled appointments have dropped significantly. We used the health belief model (in three dimensions) to examine the determinants of non-attendance of scheduled appointments in outpatient clinics due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants in Taiwan (n = 1954) completed an online survey from 10 April 10 to 23 April 2020, which assessed how people perceived and responded to the outbreak of a fast-spreading infectious disease. We performed both univariate and multivariate logistic regression to examine the roles of cognitive, affective, and behavioral health belief constructs in nonattendance at scheduled appointments. The results indicated that individuals who perceived high confidence in coping with COVID-19 were less likely to miss or cancel their doctor’s appointments, whereas individuals who reported high anxiety and practiced more preventive health behaviors, including avoiding crowded places, washing hands more often, and wearing a mask more often, were more likely to miss or cancel their appointments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-heterosexual participants had a lower rate of nonattendance at scheduled appointments compared with heterosexual ones. The study results increase our understanding of the patients’ cognitive health beliefs, psychological distress, and health behaviors when assessing adherence to medical appointments during a pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
12 pages, 341 KiB  
Article
The Relationship between Cognitive Function, Lifestyle Behaviours and Perception of Stress during the COVID-19 Induced Confinement: Insights from Correlational and Mediation Analyses
by Hela Znazen, Maamer Slimani, Nicola Luigi Bragazzi and David Tod
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 3194; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18063194 - 19 Mar 2021
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3911
Abstract
Background: Home confinement during the COVID-19 outbreak may affect lifestyle behaviours, such as daily physical activity, social relationships, eating behaviours, and sleep, among others, which in turn may compromise mental health and psychological states. The aim of the present study was to [...] Read more.
Background: Home confinement during the COVID-19 outbreak may affect lifestyle behaviours, such as daily physical activity, social relationships, eating behaviours, and sleep, among others, which in turn may compromise mental health and psychological states. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of COVID-19-induced home confinement on stress, attention, and lifestyle behaviours and the correlations between them. Methods: Participants included 144 students (aged 18–22 years, 62.5% female, 89.5% single). Stress, attention, and lifestyle behaviours were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), d2 test, and the Simple Lifestyle Indicator Questionnaire adapted and modified (SLIQ), respectively. Total PSS score, concentration performance (CP), errors (E), and lifestyle behaviours (e.g., diet, exercise/activity, alcohol, and smoking) before and during confinement were calculated. Results: The data showed a significant difference between before and during confinement in total PSS, CP, E, and all lifestyle behaviours (all, p < 0.05). Significant correlations existed between total PSS score, CP, E, and lifestyle behaviours (r= −87–98, all, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Home confinement has a negative effect on stress, attention, and lifestyle behaviours. This study suggests that the adoption of proper lifestyle behaviours, particularly diet, disciplined hygiene, and physical activity, boost health, psychological states, and cognitive function during COVID-19-induced confinement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
9 pages, 337 KiB  
Article
COVID-19 Confinement and Sexual Activity in Spain: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Rubén López-Bueno, Guillermo F. López-Sánchez, Alejandro Gil-Salmerón, Igor Grabovac, Mark A. Tully, José Casaña and Lee Smith
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(5), 2559; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052559 - 04 Mar 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2833
Abstract
Restrictions of free movement have been proven effective in tackling the spread of COVID-19 disease. However, sensitive populations submitted to longer periods of restrictions may experience detrimental effects in significant areas of their lifestyle, such as sexual activity. This study examines sexual activity [...] Read more.
Restrictions of free movement have been proven effective in tackling the spread of COVID-19 disease. However, sensitive populations submitted to longer periods of restrictions may experience detrimental effects in significant areas of their lifestyle, such as sexual activity. This study examines sexual activity during the COVID-19 confinement in Spain. A survey distributed through an institutional social media profile served to collect data, whereas chi-squared tests, t-tests, analyses of variance, and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to assess differences among sample subgroups. A total of 71.3% adults (N = 536) (72.8% female) reported engaging in sexual activity with a weekly average of 2.39 times (SD = 1.80), with significant differences favoring males, middle age, married/in a domestic relationship (p < 0.001), employed (p < 0.005), medium–high annual household income, living outside the Iberian Peninsula, and smoking and alcohol consumption. Analyses adjusted for the complete set of control variables showed significant odds for a lower prevalence of weekly sexual activity in women (OR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.27–0.72). Interventions to promote sexual activity in confined Spanish adults may focus on groups with lower sexual activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
8 pages, 340 KiB  
Article
Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, Sleep and Self-Regulation in Spanish Preschoolers during the COVID-19 Lockdown
by Alicia M. Alonso-Martínez, Robinson Ramírez-Vélez, Yesenia García-Alonso, Mikel Izquierdo and Antonio García-Hermoso
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(2), 693; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020693 - 15 Jan 2021
Cited by 80 | Viewed by 10743
Abstract
Background: A better understanding of the effects of the lockdown on lifestyle behaviors may help to guide the public health response to COVID-19 at a national level and to update the global strategy to respond COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was [...] Read more.
Background: A better understanding of the effects of the lockdown on lifestyle behaviors may help to guide the public health response to COVID-19 at a national level and to update the global strategy to respond COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on device-measured physical activity (PA), sedentary time, sleep and self-regulation; and to determine whether PA and sleep are related to self-regulation problems during the lockdown. Methods: PA, sedentary time and sleep were assessed using accelerometry in the week in which the Spanish national state of alarm was declared (n = 21). Parents reported preschooler’s self-regulation difficulties (internalizing and externalizing) before (n = 268) and during the lockdown (n = 157) by a validated questionnaire. Results: Preschoolers showed a decrease in total PA (mean difference [MD] = −43.3 min per day, 95% CI −68.1 to −18.5), sleep efficiency (MD = −2.09%, 95% CI −4.12 to −0.05), an increase in sedentary time (MD = 50.2 min per day, 95% CI 17.1 to 83.3) internalizing (MD = 0.17, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.28) and externalizing (MD = 0.33, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.44) problems. Preschoolers who met the World Health Organization recommendations for PA had lower internalizing scores than non-active peers (MD = −1.28, 95% CI −2.53 to −0.03). Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of meeting PA recommendations to reduce psychosocial difficulties during a lockdown situation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
14 pages, 310 KiB  
Article
Poor Sleep during the First Peak of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Stefania Costi, Sara Paltrinieri, Barbara Bressi, Stefania Fugazzaro, Paolo Giorgi Rossi and Elisa Mazzini
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(1), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18010306 - 04 Jan 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3390
Abstract
The restrictions enacted during lockdown to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) have led to changes in people’s lifestyle habits. In Italy, these restrictions have dramatically changed the way people work and spend their leisure time, also with repercussions on diet [...] Read more.
The restrictions enacted during lockdown to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) have led to changes in people’s lifestyle habits. In Italy, these restrictions have dramatically changed the way people work and spend their leisure time, also with repercussions on diet and physical activity. An anonymous survey was disseminated via websites and social media to a convenience sample of the Italian population during and immediately after the first lockdown (10 March–18 May 2020). Data collected on 1826 individuals show that lockdown might have worsened the quality of sleep of almost half of the participants in this cross-sectional study. This worsening was associated with a deterioration in crucial determinants of health, such as physical activity and diet (OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.18–2.40 and OR 4.19; 95% CI 2.51–6.96, respectively), with symptoms of psychological distress, such as tension (OR 3.88; 95% CI 2.74–5.52) and loneliness (OR 3.27; 95% CI 2.23–4.79), and with the presence of financial problems (some OR 1.86; 95% CI 1.27–2.72; many OR 7.27; 95% CI 3.59–14.73). The multivariate regression analysis models confirmed these associations. This impact on sleep quality was seen especially among females, those with low education level, and those who experienced financial problems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
15 pages, 1947 KiB  
Article
Hand-Washing Practices among Adolescents Aged 12–15 Years from 80 Countries
by Lee Smith, Laurie Butler, Mark A Tully, Louis Jacob, Yvonne Barnett, Guillermo F. López-Sánchez, Rubén López-Bueno, Jae Il Shin, Daragh McDermott, Briona A. Pfeifer, Damiano Pizzol and Ai Koyanagi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(1), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18010138 - 27 Dec 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6049
Abstract
The objectives were to (1) assess the prevalence of hand-washing practices across 80 countries and (2) assess frequency of hand-washing practice by economic status (country income and severe food insecurity), in a global representative sample of adolescents. Cross-sectional data from the Global School-based [...] Read more.
The objectives were to (1) assess the prevalence of hand-washing practices across 80 countries and (2) assess frequency of hand-washing practice by economic status (country income and severe food insecurity), in a global representative sample of adolescents. Cross-sectional data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey 2003–2017 were analyzed. Data on age, sex, hand-washing practices in the past 30 days, and severe food insecurity (i.e., proxy of socioeconomic status) were self-reported. Multivariable logistic regression and meta-analysis with random effects based on country-wise estimates were conducted to assess associations. Adolescents (n = 209,584) aged 12–15 years [mean (SD) age 13.8 (1.0) years; 50.9% boys] were included in the analysis. Overall, the prevalence of hand-washing practices were as follows: never/rarely washing hands before eating (6.4%), after using toilet (5.6%), or with soap (8.8%). The prevalence of never/rarely washing hands after using the toilet (10.8%) or with soap (14.3%) was particularly high in low-income countries. Severe food insecurity was associated with 1.34 (95%CI = 1.25–1.43), 1.61 (95%CI = 1.50–1.73), and 1.44 (95%CI = 1.35–1.53) times higher odds for never/rarely washing hands before eating, after using the toilet, and with soap, respectively. A high prevalence of inadequate hand washing practices was reported, particularly in low-income countries and those with severe food insecurity. In light of the present COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid expansion being observed in low- and middle-income locations, interventions that disseminate good hand-washing practices are urgently required. Such interventions may also have cross-over benefits in relation to other poor sanitation-related diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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Review

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17 pages, 559 KiB  
Review
Physical Activity and Mental Health Declined during the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Literature Review
by Christina Amo, Najla Almansour and Idethia S. Harvey
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11230; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811230 - 07 Sep 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2002
Abstract
(1) Introduction: Mental health (MH) and physical activity (PA) share a bi-directional relationship, but most studies report MH as the outcome. With diminishing pandemic-related MH, this review examines the impact of diminished MH on PA. (2) Methods: This narrative literature review included 19 [...] Read more.
(1) Introduction: Mental health (MH) and physical activity (PA) share a bi-directional relationship, but most studies report MH as the outcome. With diminishing pandemic-related MH, this review examines the impact of diminished MH on PA. (2) Methods: This narrative literature review included 19 empirical studies published since the COVID-19 pandemic. Electronic databases such as MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL were searched for English language articles in peer-reviewed journals using equivalent index terms: “anxiety”, “depression”, “stress”, “mental health”, “exercise”, “activity”, “COVID-19”, “coronavirus”, and “2019 pandemic”. The search reviewed 187 articles with double-rater reliability using Covidence. A total of 19 articles met the inclusion criteria. (3) Results: MH themes that impacted PA were depression and/or anxiety (n = 17), one of which identified inadequate coping and excessive pandemic stress (n = 2). In addition, women are more likely to suffer diminished MH and reduced PA throughout the pandemic. (4) Conclusion: Current research suggests that individuals with pre-pandemic MH episodes are correlated with more effective coping skills and fewer adverse effects from COVID-19 than expected. As we emerge from this pandemic, equipping all individuals, especially women, with positive coping strategies may accelerate a seamless return to PA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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10 pages, 915 KiB  
Review
Psychological Effects of Online-Based Mindfulness Programs during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
by Young-Ran Yeun and Sang-Dol Kim
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1624; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031624 - 31 Jan 2022
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3601
Abstract
(1) Background: The COVID-19 outbreak has caused psychological problems worldwide. This review explored the psychological effects of online-based mindfulness programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) Methods: This systematic review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Randomized [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The COVID-19 outbreak has caused psychological problems worldwide. This review explored the psychological effects of online-based mindfulness programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) Methods: This systematic review was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Randomized controlled trials that were published in the English language from 1 January 2020 to 31 May 2021 on online-based mindfulness programs for psychological problems due to the COVID-19 pandemic were searched in electronic databases. Quality assessment was conducted on the retrieved RCTs using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for RCTs. (3) Results: Six RCTs were included in this review. Quality appraisal of included RCTs ranged from 1 for low risk of bias to 5 for high risk of bias. There is evidence from the six RCTs that online-based mindfulness interventions may have favorable effects for reducing the levels of psychological problems, such as anxiety, depression, and stress. (4) Conclusions: Online-based mindfulness programs may be used as complementary interventions for clinical populations, healthy individuals, and healthcare workers with psychological problems due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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27 pages, 632 KiB  
Review
Global Impact of COVID-19 on Weight and Weight-Related Behaviors in the Adult Population: A Scoping Review
by Han Shi Jocelyn Chew and Violeta Lopez
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1876; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041876 - 15 Feb 2021
Cited by 70 | Viewed by 5931
Abstract
Objective: To provide an overview of what is known about the impact of COVID-19 on weight and weight-related behaviors. Methods: Systematic scoping review using the Arksey and O’Malley methodology. Results: A total of 19 out of 396 articles were included. All [...] Read more.
Objective: To provide an overview of what is known about the impact of COVID-19 on weight and weight-related behaviors. Methods: Systematic scoping review using the Arksey and O’Malley methodology. Results: A total of 19 out of 396 articles were included. All studies were conducted using online self-report surveys. The average age of respondents ranged from 19 to 47 years old, comprised of more females. Almost one-half and one-fifth of the respondents gained and lost weight during the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. Among articles that examined weight, diet and physical activity changes concurrently, weight gain was reported alongside a 36.3% to 59.6% increase in total food consumption and a 67.4% to 61.4% decrease in physical activities. Weight gain predictors included female sex, middle-age, increased appetite, snacking after dinner, less physical exercise, sedentary behaviors of ≥6 h/day, low water consumption and less sleep at night. Included articles did not illustrate significant associations between alcohol consumption, screen time, education, place of living and employment status, although sedentary behaviors, including screen time, did increase significantly. Conclusions: Examining behavioral differences alone is insufficient in predicting weight status. Future research could examine differences in personality and coping mechanisms to design more personalized and effective weight management interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health-Related Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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