The impact of COVID-19 on physical activity and mental health: A mixed-methods approach

Abstract

This mixed-methods study investigated how and why physical activity (PA), anxiety, depression and self-perceived loneliness are related, and the feasibility of social prescribing (SP). Whilst SP may involve PA with broader effects on health and wellbeing, there is little research exploring perceptions of this intervention. Data from the UCL-Penn Global COVID Study wave 1 (17 April–17 July 2020, N = 1037) were analysed. Twenty-one UK adults who self-identified as low ( n = 15) and high ( n = 6) on PA at wave 1 were interviewed at wave 4 (18 March–1 August 2022). At wave 1, depression was associated with higher odds of low-PA (OR = 1.05; 95% CI 1.01–1.10, p = 0.02). Both high/low-PA groups cited the threat of contracting COVID-19, general impacts of COVID-19 policies and heightened awareness of the mind-body connection. Five recommendations are made to address challenges in engaging with SP.