Associations between physical activity, depression, and diet quality during COVID-19

Oral Presentation C3.3

Authors

  • Anaderi Iniguez Washington State University
  • Jane Lanigan Washington State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.660

Keywords:

Physical Activity, Depression, Diet Quality, COVID-19, Sedentary Behavior

Abstract

Background: The physical distancing measures implemented to mollify the spread of COVID-19 has disrupted individuals' health behaviors, including physical activity (PA). Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between PA and other health-related measures during the pandemic. Methods: Participants (n=392) were recruited to complete an online survey. Measures on PA, sedentary behavior (SB), depression, and diet quality were collected. A one-way ANOVA was conducted to examine PA and SB across four age groups (18-25, 26-44, 45-64, 65+) prior and during the pandemic. An independent t-test was performed to examine how PA differed by depression. A bivariate correlation was performed to examine associations between PA and diet quality. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between groups for PA prior to the pandemic (F3,340 = .325, p = .807) and after (F3,388 = .343, p =.794). There was a significant difference with time sitting after (F3,232 = 3.53, p =.016), but not prior (F3,232 = 2.3, p =.079). Screen time prior (F3,232 = 3.47, p =.017) and after (F3,232 = 5.11, p<.01) had significant differences across groups. There was a significant difference in PA by depression status t(195.67)=2.167, p=.031. A significant association was found between PA and diet quality r(190)= .243, p< .01. Conclusion: Across all age groups PA decreased during the pandemic and SB increased. PA significantly differed by depression status and was positively associated with diet quality. Scaling up interventions to increase PA and decrease depression is warranted. Funding: Study founded by Washington State University Vancouver mini-grant, Washington State University College of Education Collaborative grant, Nelson-McLeod Scholarship, CAHNRS, Washington State University.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Iniguez, A., & Lanigan, J. (2021). Associations between physical activity, depression, and diet quality during COVID-19: Oral Presentation C3.3. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.660