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Depression as Compared to Level of Physical Activity and Internet Addiction among Polish Physiotherapy Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

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  • Anna Zalewska

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, Lomza State University of Applied Sciences, 14 Akademicka St., 18-400 Lomza, Poland)

  • Monika Gałczyk

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, Lomza State University of Applied Sciences, 14 Akademicka St., 18-400 Lomza, Poland)

  • Marek Sobolewski

    (Plant of Quantitative Methods, Rzeszow University of Technology, al. Powstancow Warszawy 12, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland)

  • Irena Białokoz-Kalinowska

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, Lomza State University of Applied Sciences, 14 Akademicka St., 18-400 Lomza, Poland)

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the survey was to assess the level of depression correlated with physical activity and internet addiction among physiotherapy students of Polish universities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The survey was carried out via the internet among Polish physiotherapy students (141 respondents). The level of depression was assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory, physical activity by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) in Polish and the level of internet addiction by the Kimberly Young Questionnaire. Results: It was found that 31% of those surveyed stated that they suffered from moderate or severe depression. The overwhelming majority of the respondents (92%) considered the level of their internet addiction as low. More physical activity had a positive effect on mental health. The overuse of the internet exacerbated depressive symptoms. Conclusions: The prevalence of depression observed in students is mainly related to distant learning systems. Therefore, regular physical activity is recommended as it is associated with a lower level of depression. It is also advisable to provide students with necessary psychological care. Excessive use of social media is not recommended to elevate mood as it makes depression symptoms worse.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Zalewska & Monika Gałczyk & Marek Sobolewski & Irena Białokoz-Kalinowska, 2021. "Depression as Compared to Level of Physical Activity and Internet Addiction among Polish Physiotherapy Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-11, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:19:p:10072-:d:642782
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Wupeng Yin & Niliarys Sifre-Acosta & Daisy Chamorro & Susmita Chowdhury & Nan Hu, 2025. "Impact of Physical Activity on Health Behavior Change and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Epidemic Among Chinese Adults: China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(2), pages 1-21, January.
    2. Gaia Sampogna & Maurizio Pompili & Andrea Fiorillo, 2021. "Mental Health in the Time of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Worldwide Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-5, December.

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