Association between physical activity and psychological distress among university students during the COVID-19 in Finland

Research Abstract

Background: The restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the daily lives, physical activity behaviour, social interactions, and mental well-being of students.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the association between physical activity and psychological distress among 18-34-year-old university students in Finland.

Methods: The cross-sectional survey data was collected among Finnish university students (n=6258) in 2021. Psychological distress was measured with General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and physical activity with questions related to the participants´ overall physical activity during a week. Physical activity responses were categorized according to the current physical activity recommendations for adults. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the risk of psychological distress among different physical activity groups. Age, gender, relationship status, living situation and loneliness were adjusted for in the models.

Results: Those who were physically inactive (OR 2.10, 95 % CI 1.75-2.52) or low active (OR 1.58, 95 % CI 1.35-1.85), or only met the recommendations for muscle-strengthening activities but not for aerobic activities (OR 1.23, 95 % CI 1.05-1.45) had an increased risk of psychological distress compared to those who met the recommendation for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. These associations remained significant after controlling for age, gender, relationship status, living situation and loneliness.

Conclusions: The results confirm previous research findings regarding the positive association between physical activity and mental health. Meeting the recommendation for physical activity may protect against psychological distress. Furthermore, the results highlight the potential of physical activity to support mental well-being during challenging times.

Practical implications: In potential future crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to support university students´ possibilities to be physically active and maintain a physically active lifestyle.

Funding: No external funding.