Relação entre as variáveis sociodemográficas e o nível de atividade física, a qualidade de vida e os aspectos emocionais durante o início da pandemia da COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: It is believed that isolation, loss of freedom, uncertainty about the disease and boredom, associated with unexpected suspension of physical exercise and prolonged inactivity may promote adverse health changes. Objective: The present study aims to investigate the relationship of sociodemographic elements and the level of physical activity, quality of life and the presence of anxiety, stress and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Methodology: This is a descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study, the following questionnaires were applied online to assess quality of life (SF12), physical activity level (IPAQ) and stress, anxiety and depression (DASS) held throughout Brazil between May and July 2020. Results: 480 questionnaires were analyzed, and most of the population was female (72.29%), without comorbidities (79.37%) and with higher education (51.66%). With regard to relative risk calculations, the female population had an increased chance of being classified as having a worse quality of life, both in the mental (R: 0.58, p < 0.0001) and physical (R: 0.65, p < 0.0001) domains, as well as for presentation of anxiety (R: 2.58, p < 0.0001) and stress (R: 2.66, p < 0.0002). Regarding physical activity, subjects without comorbidities were less likely to be inactive (R: 0.26, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The data from the present study allow us to affirm that females were at greater risk for low levels of quality of life related to physical and mental health aspects, as well as for the presence of stress and anxiety. As for the level of physical activity, the population with comorbidities were more inactive.