Validation of the Hungarian Version of the COVID Stress Scale (CSS-H).

(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented and has affected every social class. The prevalence of moderate-to-severe stress and anxiety levels in the general population was reported to be 25%. This study aimed to describe the validation of the Hungarian version of the COVID Stress Scale. (2) Methods: The research study was a cross-section validation study with a representative sample (N = 1200) and a non-representative student sample (N = 350). The translation procedure was a four-step procedure. The interviewers conducted the data collection. (3) Results: The reliability of the Hungarian CSS was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Convergent validity was evaluated by correlating the CSS with the PSS and WHO-WBI5. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the CSS-H factors was between 0.844 and 0.907 (representative sample) and between 0.878 and 0.936 (student sample), which qualified as very good. The reliability of the internal consistency was good for all six factors in both samples. The CSS-H total and all-domain scores significantly and positively correlated with the PSS total score and negatively correlated with well-being. (4) Conclusions: The Hungarian COVID Stress Scale is a valid, reliable instrument to measure COVID-19-related distress in the Hungarian population.

The Role of Sports in the Subjective Psychological Well-Being of Hungarian Adult Population in Three Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

(1) Background: In this study, sport and subjective psychological well-being is investigated in three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) Methods: We have conducted three different representative sample surveys (n = 3600 altogether) on the Hungarian adult population and investigated the sample's subjective psychological well-being with the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, as well as changes in their subjective well-being through the different waves of the pandemic. Sporting habits and socio-economic variables were also surveyed, and OLS regression models were created focused on the WHO-5 measures. (3) Results: The subjective psychological well-being of the Hungarian adult population decreased significantly, but in the second and third wave of pandemic restrictions, an increase in subjective psychological well-being has been measured. The relationships between the time spent on doing sports and subjective psychological well-being were significant in each pandemic waves. The highest subjective psychological well-being and its highest increase were reported by those who could increase their time spent on doing sports as well. (4) Conclusions: The relationships between the sports activities, physical health, size of settlement, changes in income and subjective psychological well-being of the Hungarian adult population were significant in all three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Psychological Responses of Hungarian Students during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

(1) Background: Changes in daily life and academic training has led to uncertainty in the higher education student population during COVID-19. The goal of the study was to examine the impacts of the pandemic on Hungarian students. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by using self-report questionnaires collected in Google Forms. Eight-hundred-and-twenty-seven students (25.29 ± 8.09) took part anonymously. The respondents rate their overall physical and mental health on a 5-point Likert scale and validated scales were used: Well Being Index (WHO-5); Mindfulness Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS); and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14). Statistical analyses were performed with IBM SPSS 24.0, results were considered at a significance level p ≤ 0.05. (3) Results: Positive correlation was found between MAAS and WHO-5 (r = 0.363, p < 0.001) negative correlation between MAAS and PSS-14 (r = -0.448, p < 0.001), and negative correlation between WHO-5 and PSS-14 (r = -0.671, p < 0.001). Females had higher PSS-14 mean score (32.51 ± 10.16) than males (27.71 ± 10.19; p < 0.001; Z = -5703), males (60.92 ± 12.10) had higher MAAS level than females (57.31 ± 12.51; p < 0.001; Z = -3589). No difference was found in gender regarding WHO-5 mean scores. Athletes (7.03 ± 3.27) differ significantly from non-athletes (6.00 ± 3.04) in WHO-5 (p < 0.001; Z = -4.349) and MAAS level (p = 0.012; Z = -2.498), but showed no difference in PSS-14 (p = 0.101; Z = -1.641). Students rated mental (3.01 ± 0.99) worse than physical health (3.49 ± 0.98; p < 0.001, r = 0.426) and the narrowing of social relationships worse (3.83 ± 1.26) than physical (p < 0.001, r = -0.212) and mental health (p < 0.001, r = -0.408). Females had worse mental health (2.96 ± 9.94) than males (3.20 ± 0.99; p = 0.003; Z = -2.924) and rated the narrowing of social relationships worse (3.90 ± 1.23) than males (3.59 ± 1.35; p = 0.006; Z = -2.730). (4) Conclusions: The pandemic has negatively impacted students, and it may have long-term consequences on their mental and physical health and education.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND WELL-BEING OF HUNGARIAN ATHLETES AND SPORTS PROFESSIONALS

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant effect on regular activities and lifestyles in Hungary in the second quarter of 2020. In this study, we identify the physical activity and mental well-being changes in the Hungarian sport sector. Material and methods. A questionnaire, which included internationally validated items, was created to survey members of the sporting sector in Hungary. In June 2020, we obtained 840 valid responses, the age and gender profile of which were closely representative of the overall population. The results were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results. Physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic changed significantly (p<0.001) in the Hungarian sport sector, decreasing by 166 +/- 1128 minutes (mean +/- SD) per week, on average. Women (-286 +/- 980 weekly minutes) and children's (-304 +/- 951 weekly minutes) physical activity decreased the most, whereas that of middle-aged (-83 +/- 1024 weekly minutes) and graduates (-99 +/- 982 weekly minutes) decreased the least. Greater well-being was felt during the pandemic by those who were either more physically active, or could even increase their physical activity. Conclusions. Even in the sport sector, the more physically active people are, the greater their well-being. Therefore, promotion of physical activity becomes even more important in challenging times.

A PRELIMINARY STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON SPORTING BEHAVIOR, MINDFULNESS AND WELL-BEING

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected individual well-being negatively;to mitigate the impact, psychological resources are required. Material and methods. Both the WHO WBI-5: 5-item World Health Organization Well Being Index and MAAS: Brown and Ryan (2003) Mindfulness Attention and Awareness Scale were utilized in this study on 827 university students (age 25.29 +/- 8.09). Statistical Package IBM SPSS v 24 was used and significance level was set at p <= 0.05. Results. We found significant positive correlation between dispositional mindfulness and well-being (R=0.347;p=0.001). Significant differences in mindfulness and well-being were noted between the regularly physically active and non-active groups (Z=-2.850;p=0.004;and Z=-2.152;p=0.031, respectively). The population was subdivided into 3 groups (1) professional athlete;(2) recreational athlete;(3) inactive;we found significant differences in mindfulness (Chi-square value=14.406;p=0.001) and well-being (Chi-square value=19.341;p<0.001) across the group. In paired analysis we found significant differences in mindfulness between groups 1-2 (Z=-2.885;p<0.001), 1-3 ( Z=-3.537;p<0.001) and 2-3 (Z=-2.130;p=0.033). Significant differences in well-being were observed between groups 1-3 (Z=-2.273;p=0.023) and 2-3 (Z=-4.235;p<0.001). We found significant differences regarding the duration (Chi-square value=342.856;p<0.001) and number of trainings before and during quarantine (Chi-square value=214.552;p<0.001). Conclusions. Intensive and regular physical activity facilitates the psychological factors which support individual well-being. Exercising regularly and/or competitively appears to offer a protective effect on mental health.

EFFECTS OF COVID-19 ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY BEHAVIOR AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: RESULTS OF A HUNGARIAN ONLINE SURVEY

Background. Due to COVID-19, social isolation and home confinement have changed daily behavior in Hungary since the pandemic hit in early 2020. This study aimed to examine physical activity (PA) patterns among young adults before and during distancing and lockdown safety measures. Material and methods. We recruited 827 students online across 10 faculties at the University of Pecs during April and May 2020. PA level (IPAQ-SF) and self-rated physical and mental health status were examined. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. Results. Students' perceived mental health status proved to be worse than perceived physical health, while the percentage of individuals who did not engage in any sports decreased from 37.61% to 29.26%. Total PA levels and walking times were decreased, while sitting time significantly increased (p<0.001). A positive correlation was found between perceived physical health and total PA (R=0.215, p<0.001) as well as between perceived mental health and walking (R=0.091, p=0.009) and total PA (R=0.106, p=0.002). Conclusions. We found decreased a mounts of PA among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic period, which highlights the need to promote a physically active lifestyle in cases of social restrictions.