Abstract
Texas is among one of the leading states of COVID-19 cases and fatalities which has impacted both healthy individuals and those living with preexisting chronic illnesses. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and remaining physically active during a pandemic has challenged most, if not all, local residents. PURPOSE: to describe physical activity and mental health status in Texas residents with preexisting comorbidities and those without preexisting illnesses. METHODS: On July 2020, four months after the declaration of the global pandemic, an online survey was developed and distributed to various regions in Texas. A total of 156 respondents answered questions regarding their demographics, current health status, physical activity level, and mental health status prior to and after the COVID-19 pandemic declaration. A frequency distribution and descriptive statistical analyses was completed. A paired sample t-test was used to calculate means of responses pre- and post- the pandemic with significance level set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Majority of respondents were white (84%), non Hispanic or Latino (54%), female (87%), under the age of 45 (57%) and reported having 1 or more diagnosed medical condition (61%). Physical activity levels were not significantly impacted in either subgroup. Although not significant, participants with 1 or more preexisting conditions decreased their activity level by 10% after declaration of the pandemic. Those without preexisting conditions increased their overall physical activity level by 9%. While physical activity level did not report significant changes after the COVID-19 pandemic, the psychological health of individuals, however, was significantly impacted. A significant increase in emotional distress such as feelings of nervousness and anxiousness were highly evident after the declared pandemic (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The present analysis confirms significant levels of stress after the declared current pandemic. Prolonged stress can lead to harm and disease and make a person more susceptible to infection which is why promoting physical activity and improving psychological health strategies for all Texas residents with emphasis to those with preexisting conditions should be a public health priority.
Recommended Citation
De La Cruz, Evy; Gamez, Yazmin; Patel, Jaini; Shah, Lajja; and Patel, Darpan I.
(2021)
"COVID-19 Pandemic Effects on Individuals Physical Activity Levels and Emotional Health: A Descriptive Study,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2:
Iss.
13, Article 48.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss13/48