ABSTRACT
Increasing evidence suggests that physical activity (PA) can reduce depression and anxiety in adolescents. At the same time, quality of life (QoL) is sensitive to both mental health and PA, but little is known about the mechanism between these three variables among adolescents. This study aimed to assess the physical activity, mental health, and quality of life of school students when they returned to school after two years of distance learning in the Jazan region. This current investigation represented an observational cross-sectional survey conducted in January 2022 among a random sample of 601 students from intermediate and high schools in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. Three standardized questionnaires were used for data collection; the Arabic version of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS21), and the Fels PAQ for children. The analysis revealed a moderate level of physical activity, decreased HRQoL, and symptoms of mental health problems (anxiety, depression, and stress) among the schools' students when they returned to school following COVID-19 lockdown. The overall Pediatric Quality of Life mean score was (81.4 ± 16.4), which differed significantly according to gender, age groups, and grade levels (p < 0.05 for all). There was a negative correlation between the overall quality of life and mental health domains. Sport was negatively correlated with mental illness symptoms and positively correlated (p < 0.05) with Pediatric Quality of Life. The regression models revealed that stress was a significant predictor for the quality of life of male and female adolescents ([ß = -0.30, (95% CI (-0.59) to (-0.02), p < 0.05)] and [ß = -0.40, (95% CI (-0.70) to (-0.01), p < 0.05)], respectively). The analysis revealed a moderate level of physical activity among the schools' students when they returned to school following COVID-19 lockdown. Children's involvement in physical activity was associated with improved quality of life and mental health. The results call for the need to develop appropriate intervention programs to increase school students' physical activity levels.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The novel corona virus disease, also known as COVID-19, has emerged as a major health concern globally. Its association with comorbid condition has increased its mortality. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with increased risk of infection in comparison to general population. This risk is higher in type 1 DM that type 2 DM. METHODS: A cross sectional study was done in T1DM patients in whom a structured questionnaire was administered after lockdown. Data regarding social demographical variables, Information regarding sugar levels, psychological effects, changes in weight, exercise habits and other variables were included in the validated, electronic questionnaire. Ethic approval was obtained from the Diabetic center Abha, study duration was from January-2020 to October-2020. RESULTS: Out of 143 total patients (46.9%) were males while 53.1% were females. Mean ± S.D of age was obtained 29.6 ± 1.8. [Figure 1] depicted that 23% of the respondents were effected psychologically. [Figure 2] depicted that 80.4% used insulin as a treatment. [Figure 3] depicted that 8% of the respondents make an emergency visit to the health care centers for high rise in diabetes during lockdown. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 and the lockdown affected the management of T1DM. It resulted in changes in lifestyle, compliance to medication, and psychological impact on the participant.