Factors affecting decreased physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic: an age-, gender-, and body mass index-matched study

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the association between factors affecting decreased physical activity (PA) during the COVID-19 pandemic by matching groups based on age, gender, and BMI variables using public Community Health Survey (CHS) data.MethodsData from the CHS was selected and used to investigate health-related factors related to PA, including demographic, psychological, behavioral characteristics, sociocultural, and chronic disease. Exact group matching was conducted based on age, gender, and BMI variables. Frequency analysis, Chi-square test (χ2 test), and multinominal logistic regression analysis were performed to analyze the data, and odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were presented. The study also examined the impact of COVID-19 on PA, the fear of PA infection.ResultsThe logistic regression analysis by gender showed that PA decreased in all age groups, males, and females during the COVID-19 pandemic. The decrease in PA was lower in age groups other than those aged 60 or older. Stress experience, residence area, housing type, drinking, smoking, education level, and fear of infection were found to affect decreased PA due to COVID-19. Specifically, experiencing stress (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.178; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.054 ~ 1.317) and increased smoking (OR = 1.332; 95% CI = 1.073 ~ 1.653) had a slightly higher impact on decreased PA. Conversely, living in a suburban area (OR = 0.653; CI = 0.585 ~ 0.728), having public housing (OR = 0.836; CI = 0.754 ~ 0.928), having less than a high school education (OR = 0.813; CI = 0.729 ~ 0.907), staying the same with alcohol (OR = 0.567; CI = 0.507 ~ 0.633) and smoking (OR = 0.836; CI = 0.728 ~ 0.959), and having low fear of infection (OR = 0.817; CI = 0.737 ~ 0.905) had a slightly lower impact on decreased PA.ConclusionPA should be maintained or increased, particularly in the context of social distancing measures during the pandemic. To ensure that PA can be sustained, a program should be developed that considers the individual’s geographical location, economic status, lifestyle, and environment.

An Importance-Performance Analysis of Korean Middle School Students’ Health Management Awareness during the Post-COVID-19 Era Depending on Sex

“…Another study found that several health management awareness factors for Korean middle school students exhibited low performance during the COVID-19 endemic phase: daily gymnastic activity, regular physical activity, regular diet, ideal eating habits, regular sleep activity, appropriate sleep quality, and appropriate sleep amount [42]. Thus, efforts should be made to improve performance related to these factors.…”

“…Additionally, there was a difference in the regular diet for eating management variables between male and female students. Some studies showed that, during the early and prolonged COVID-19 pandemic phases, both male and female students exhibited low performance in terms of physical activity and eating habits [5,42,43]. However, male students actively practiced regular sports activities, vigorous movement activities, and regular diet during the COVID-19 endemic phase.…”