Relationship between Physical Activity and Psychological Status during Covid-19 among Nursing Students at Al Baha University.

Alghamdi, Wael; H. El-Amrosy, Sabah

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2023.284880

Relationship between Physical Activity and Psychological Status during Covid-19 among Nursing Students at Al Baha University.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Wael Alghamdi ¹
Sabah H. El-Amrosy ²

¹ Nursing Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia.

² Assistant Professor of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University, Egypt. Currently, the Department of Nursing, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al Baha University, Saudi Arabia

10.21608/ejhc.2023.284880

Abstract

Background: Recent research has shown that levels of poor mental health are high during COVID-19-
related social distancing. Social distancing measures may result in people becoming more anxious, angry,
stressed, agitated, and withdrawn. Engaging in physical activity may influence mental health during social
distancing related to COVID-19. A large body of literature exists showing that regular and sustained
participation in physical activity is associated with positive mental health. The study aimed to investigate
the relationship between physical activity and psychological status during Covid-19 among nursing students
AlBaha university. The setting of the study: The study was conducted at the faculty of applied medical
sciences AlBaha university. Research Design: A descriptive co-relational design was used to achieve the
aim of the study. Data collection: Three tools were used; Tool (1): Structured Socio-demographic and
clinical characteristics Interview Questionnaire. Tool (II): Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (III): an
adapted version of the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF). Results:
The findings of the study revealed that the majority of the participants in the study (62.5%) were from the
fifth level. 50% of them were male and 50% were females. Also illustrated that; Physical exercise and
psychological status were statistically significantly correlated (stress, anxiety, and depression). Conclusion:
It was concluded that a negative change in physical activity compared to pre-COVID-19 restrictions was
associated with poorer mental health.

Keywords