Mental health among elite athletes in Norway during a selected period of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of mental health problems and satisfaction with life among different groups of elite athletes during a selected period of the COVID-19 pandemic and examine how COVID-19 related consequences were associated with these variables.DesignCross-sectional data collection during a selected period of the COVID-19 pandemic in Norway.Participants378 elite athletes, mean age 26.86 (range 18–59), 159 females and 219 males, divided into Olympic-level and Paralympic-level athletes (n=194) and elite and semielite athletes (n=184).Main outcome measuresHopkins Symptoms Check List − 10; symptoms of anxiety and depression; Bergen Insomnia Scale; Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire Short; Canadian Problem Gambling Index and Satisfaction with Life Scale. In addition, we included specific COVID-19 questions (eg, financial concern, keeping daily routines, perceived coping and motivation).ResultsSymptoms of insomnia (38.3%) and depression (22.3%) were most prevalent within the sample. Symptoms of eating disorders more prevalent among female athletes (8.8% vs 1.4%) while symptoms of gambling problems were higher among male athletes (8.6% vs 1.3%). Olympic and Paralympic athletes reported lower levels of anxiety and depression symptoms than elite and semielite athletes. Financial concerns were associated with an increased risk of mental health problems, while daily routines and perception of coping were associated with less mental health problems and higher satisfaction with life.ConclusionSymptoms of insomnia and depression were the two most common mental health problems reported during this selected phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Elite and semielite athletes reported financial concerns as a risk factor for mental health problems at a larger degree than Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Psychiatric Symptoms among Swiss Elite Athletes during the First Lockdown of the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…In contrast to our findings, Gouttebarge and colleagues found moderate and moderate-to-severe depression levels in 12.9 (male) to 21.6% (female) of professional football players during the first COVID-19 lockdown period [27]. Pensgaard et al found depressive symptoms in 22.3% of a Norwegian sample of elite athletes in summer 2020 but did not report the symptom severity [29]. In a South African sample of elite and semi-elite athletes, almost half of them reported feeling depressed during the lockdown in spring 2020 [28].…”

“…Depending on their sport (i.e., team vs. individual sports, summer vs. winter sports) and the season in which the lockdown was imposed, the routines of athletes were affected differently. An increased mental health burden in elite football players and athletes of other disciplines has already been described during the lockdown period in spring 2020 [20,[27][28][29][30].…”

“…Particularly drastic for the athletes was the loss of income that some of them suffered as a result of not being able to pursue their usual sporting activities during the first lockdown. Financial concern has thus been described as a major stressor for athletes during the pandemic [29]. Such a stressor and the accompanying uncertainty about the future can increase the risk of more serious mental health conditions [25].…”

Problem Gambling and Problem Gaming in Elite Athletes: a Literature Review

“…up to 6% low-risk, moderate-risk or problem gambling) Above non-problem gambling markedly less common than in the general population. Associations (including with gender) not reported Håkansson et al ( 2020b ) Sweden, elite athletes, top leagues of football, ice hockey, handball ( N = 274), assessed during COVID-19 Top national leagues (highest female leagues, highest male handball league and highest two male football and ice hockey leagues) PGSI (Wynne & Ferris, 2001 ), past 12 months Moderate-risk/problem gambling in 10% of men, and 0% of women Clear association of gambling problems with male gender Pensgaard et al ( 2021 ) Norway, several types of sports, assessed during COVID-19 (June–September, 2020), ( N = 378) Olympic/Paralympic athletes and other elite/semielite athletes Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI, Wynne & Ferris, 2001 ) “Gambling problems” in 8.7% of men and 1.3% of women Gambling problems (definition unclear) markedly higher in males than in females, and lower in athletes reporting positive consequences of the COVID-19 situation …”

Herausforderungen für Mannschafts- und Verbandsärzte in Zeiten der COVID-19-Pandemie

“…Mittel- und langfristig kann dies zu Motivationsverlust, Sinnfragen bezüglich der (professionellen) Sportausübung und weiterführend u.a. zu Schlafstörungen, depressiver Symptomatik und Essstörungen führen [25] . Eine enge sportmedizinische Begleitung, Thematisierung der Problematik und Austausch im medizinischen Team inklusive psychologischer/psychiatrischer Kollegen sowie die Kommunikation mit dem betreuenden Trainerteam (unter Wahrung der ärztlichen Schweigepflicht) ist erforderlich, um frühzeitig negative Tendenzen zu erkennen und entsprechend gegensteuern zu können [26] .…”