RESUMO
Objective: This study aimed to analyze the association between the types of physical activity (PA) and the level of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in Korean adolescents. Methods: This study analyzed data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS) for, 2020-2021. The dependent variable was the level of generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7). The GAD-7 scores were divided into four levels: normal, mild, moderate, and severe. The independent variables were moderate PA, vigorous PA, and strength exercises. Sex, school grade, body mass index, stress, depression, suicidal thoughts, violent victimization, drinking, smoking, substance abuse, sleep satisfaction, and sedentary time were selected as confounding variables. Results: The independent variable and all confounding variables showed significant differences with the level of GAD-7 (all p < .001). After adjusting for all confounding variables, we observed a 1.062 elevation in mild anxiety disorders, a 1.147 increase in moderate anxiety disorders, and a 1.218 increased incidence of severe anxiety disorders in the absence of vigorous PA. In the absence of strength exercises, there was a 1.057 elevation in mild anxiety disorders, a 1.110 increase in moderate anxiety disorders, and a 1.351 increased incidence of severe anxiety disorders. However, in the case of moderate PA, after adjusting for confounding variables, there was no significant association with GAD-7 levels. Conclusion: To prevent anxiety disorders among Korean adolescents, the type of PA should be considered. Vigorous PA or strength exercises may help prevent GAD in Korean adolescents.
RESUMO
Purpose: This 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. Methods: Data 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. Results: The 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. Conclusion: PA 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.