The Association between Change in Lifestyle Behaviors and Mental Health Indicators in Immunosuppressed Individuals during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Tara Zeitoun, Audrey Plante, Catherine M. Sabiston, Mélanie Dieudé and Isabelle Doré ()
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Tara Zeitoun: Department of Nutritional Sciences, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
Audrey Plante: CHUM Research Centre, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
Catherine M. Sabiston: Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 2W6, Canada
Mélanie Dieudé: CHUM Research Centre, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
Isabelle Doré: CHUM Research Centre, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 3, 1-13

Abstract: Little is known on how changes in lifestyle behaviors affect mental health among immunosuppressed individuals who observed stricter physical and social distancing measures due to higher risk of complications during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines the association between changes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary time (ST) and sleep duration following COVID-19 outbreak on mental health indicators of immunosuppressed individuals and their relatives. Participants ( n = 132) completed an online questionnaire between May and August 2020. Linear regressions were conducted to assess the associations between an increase or decrease in lifestyle behaviors and mental health indicators. Individuals with decreased MVPA and increased ST experienced higher distress, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Those who reported an increase or decrease in sleep had higher levels of stress, distress and depressive symptoms. Decreases in sleep was associated with higher anxiety symptoms. Lifestyle behaviors in the context of a stressful life event such as the COVID-19 pandemic may impact mental health indicators of immunosuppressed individuals and their relatives.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; mental health; physical activity; sleep duration; sedentary behavior; immunosuppressed population (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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