Health-Related Behaviors and Perceived Addictions

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a worldwide implementation of measures to contain the virus from spreading, and social isolation was one of those measures. Social isolation is associated with increased susceptibility to various neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression. Because this risk varies between populations and their respective habits, understanding which behaviors play a positive or harmful role is fundamental for people with depression under these conditions. This study aims to 1) compare health-related behaviors (HRBs) and perceived addictions between healthy individuals and individuals who reported having a depressive disorder at the time of the first outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal, and 2) test which HRB and perceived addictions are associated with depression. Participants were a matched for age and sex and comprised 968 adults divided into two groups: healthy (484, 50%) and depressed (484, 50%). They completed online self-report questionnaires, and the data were analyzed in SPSS. Logistic regressions showed that being a health professional, getting up in a later time during weekends, and a higher consumption of soft drinks increased the risk for depression. In contrast, higher education and higher intensity of physical activity decreased this risk. Perceived addictions to TV, social networking, and gaming increased the risk for depression. HRBs and the identified addictions associated with depression during the confinement should be targeted in clinical and community interventions.

Relationship between COVID-19 Pandemic Confinement and Worsening or Onset of Depressive Disorders

“…Regarding the onset or exacerbation of depressive symptoms during confinement, most of the reviewed studies conclude that they increased during confinement [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 24 , 25 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 43 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 50 , 52 , 53 , 56 , 57 , 59 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 ]. However, some studies conclude that this increase occurred only at the beginning of the confinement [ 13 , 33 , 34 , 42 , 60 ], whereas others support a decrease [ 23 , 26 , 41 , 44 ] or no change in symptoms [ 49 , 51 , 54 , 55 , 58 ].…”

“…Depressive symptoms were associated with worsening memory and cognitive functions, particularly among young adults aged 18–26 [ 17 ]. Depressed individuals exhibited longer sleep duration, increased time spent in bed, higher consumption of sugary foods, alcohol, and drugs, as well as higher levels of addiction to television, social media, and gaming [ 18 ].…”

“…Encouraging social connections, even in limited settings, can contribute to improved well-being. Engaging in physical activity during lockdown was also found to be protective against depressive symptoms [ 15 , 18 , 31 , 45 , 50 , 58 , 63 ]. Regular exercise has long been associated with improved mental health, and this finding emphasizes the importance of promoting physical activity, even in constrained environments.…”

“…Regular exercise has long been associated with improved mental health, and this finding emphasizes the importance of promoting physical activity, even in constrained environments. Other protective factors identified include being older or retired, having a higher educational level or socioeconomic status, and perceived social support [ 16 , 18 , 20 , 21 , 24 , 32 , 37 , 38 , 40 , 44 , 48 , 54 , 58 , 62 , 63 , 64 ]. These factors reflect the importance of stability, resources, and a supportive environment in mitigating the risk of depressive symptoms during confinement.…”

Psychosocial and financial well-being mediated the effects of COVID-19 distress on suicidality: a serial mediation model among Hong Kong young adults

“…Findings from a systematic review identified the prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression as a result of the pandemic to be 29.6%, 31.9%, and 33.7%, respectively [ 12 ]. For instance, isolation and quarantine may impose negative effects on people’s mental health [ 13 ]. There is increasing evidence that heightened feelings of loneliness could influence psychological problems during the COVID-19 pandemic [ 14 , 15 ].…”