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Tiongco DDD, Vitug PZ, Macindo JRB. A home environment-moderated model of the influence of ergonomics on individual work performance among Filipino nurse educators working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic: An interaction moderation analysis using structural equation model. Appl Nurs Res 2024; 76:151788. [PMID: 38641384 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnr.2024.151788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
AIM To determine the influence of ergonomics on individual work performance of nurse educators working at home during the COVID-19 pandemic and to develop a model of the moderating effect of home environment. DESIGN Cross-sectional, predictive-correlational design. METHODS Utilizing interaction moderation and structural equation modeling, 214 consecutively-selected educators from nursing schools in the Greater Manila Area, Philippines completed a four-part online survey. RESULTS Physical, cognitive, and organizational ergonomics positively influenced individual work performance. Home environment had a linear, positive moderation on the effects of physical and cognitive ergonomics on individual work performance but had a negative moderating effect with organizational ergonomics. CONCLUSION The moderated model underscored the positive effects of ergonomics and the moderating effect of home environment on the individual work performance of nurse educators working at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this knowledge can be used in developing appropriate programs, strategies, and policies. IMPACT The moderated model highlights the need for policies and programs, training and education, and organizational evaluation geared towards promoting healthy workplace and work-life balance among nurse educators transitioning to remote work and online teaching. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Eligible participants contributed in the data collection with the survey responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dyan Dee D Tiongco
- St. Paul University Manila, Pedro Gil, Manila 1004, Philippines; College of Nursing, University of Santo Tomas, España Boulevard, Manila 1015, Philippines.
| | - Portia Z Vitug
- St. Paul University Manila, Pedro Gil, Manila 1004, Philippines.
| | - John Rey B Macindo
- AMOSUP Seamen's Hospital, Cabildo Street, Intramuros, Manila 1002, Philippines; Faculty of Management and Development Studies, University of the Philippines - Open University (UPOU), Los Baños, Laguna 4031, Philippines; TOP UP Training Center and Research Consultancy Inc., Manila 1015, Philippines.
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Jackson SE, Tattan-Birch H, Shahab L, Beard E, Brown J. Have there been sustained impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on trends in smoking prevalence, uptake, quitting, use of treatment, and relapse? A monthly population study in England, 2017-2022. BMC Med 2023; 21:474. [PMID: 38093317 PMCID: PMC10720231 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03157-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies conducted during the early stages of the pandemic documented mixed changes in smoking behaviour: more smokers quitting successfully but little change in prevalence. This study aimed to examine whether there have been sustained impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on smoking patterns in England. METHODS Data were from 101,960 adults (≥ 18 years) participating in the Smoking Toolkit Study, a monthly representative household survey, between June 2017 and August 2022. Interviews were conducted face-to-face until March 2020 and via telephone thereafter. Generalised additive models estimated associations of the pandemic onset (March 2020) with current smoking, uptake, cessation, quit attempts, and use of support. Models adjusted for seasonality, sociodemographic characteristics, and (where relevant) dependence and tobacco control mass-media expenditure. RESULTS Before the COVID-19 pandemic, smoking prevalence fell by 5.2% per year; this rate of decline slowed to 0.3% per year during the pandemic (RRΔtrend = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.09). This slowing was evident in more but not less advantaged social grades (RRΔtrend = 1.15, 1.08, 1.21; RRΔtrend = 1.00, 0.96, 1.05). There were sustained step-level changes in different age groups: a 34.9% (95% CI = 17.7, 54.7%) increase in smoking prevalence among 18-24-year-olds, indicating a potential rise in uptake, in contrast to a 13.6% (95% CI = 4.4, 21.9%) decrease among 45-65-year-olds. In both age groups, these step-level changes were followed by the pre-pandemic declines stopping, and prevalence remaining flat. There were sustained increases in quitting among past-year smokers, with a 120.4% (95% CI = 79.4, 170.9%) step-level increase in cessation and a 41.7% (95% CI = 29.7, 54.7%) increase in quit attempts. The main limitation was the change in modality of data collection when the pandemic started; while this may have contributed to the step-level changes we observed, it is unlikely to explain changes in the slope of trends. CONCLUSIONS In England, the rate of decline in adult smoking prevalence stagnated during the COVID-19 pandemic through to 2022. At the start of the pandemic, a potential reduction in smoking prevalence among middle-aged adults and increases in quitting among smokers may have been offset by an increase in smoking among young adults. The slowing in the rate of decline was pronounced in more advantaged social grades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Jackson
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK.
- SPECTRUM Consortium, London, UK.
| | - Harry Tattan-Birch
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
- SPECTRUM Consortium, London, UK
| | - Lion Shahab
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
- SPECTRUM Consortium, London, UK
| | - Emma Beard
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Jamie Brown
- Department of Behavioural Science and Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
- SPECTRUM Consortium, London, UK
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Chuah XJ, Aw CB, Ong PN, Samsuri KB, Dhaliwal SS. Receptivity towards Remote Service Delivery among Social Work Clients and Practitioners during COVID Times: A Systematic Review. JOURNAL OF EVIDENCE-BASED SOCIAL WORK (2019) 2023; 20:800-839. [PMID: 37401444 DOI: 10.1080/26408066.2023.2228791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This systematic review aims to identify and synthesize the available evidence on the receptivity toward, perceived advantages and challenges of remote service delivery among social work clients and practitioners during the context of COVID-19. METHOD Two electronic databases were searched from 2020 to 2022. Identified papers were screened against the established eligibility criteria, yielding 15 papers. Two additional papers were further identified through hand-search. As heterogeneity of studies was high, a narrative synthesis was performed to summarize the overall evidence. RESULTS Our review provides evidence that remote service delivery holds the potential to increase access to services among selected client populations as well as promote a sense of empowerment for clients and opportunities for practice enhancement for practitioners. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION The findings from our study highlighted the need for innovative solutions and practical considerations for ongoing remote service, including the careful considerations of social work clients' and practitioners' suitability, the need for provision of training and ongoing support to optimize practitioners' well-being. As the delivery of services transition to face-to-face or remain remote, further research is needed to assess the promise of remote practice in optimizing overall service delivery, while maintaining client-reported satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Jun Chuah
- Learning & Development, AMKFSC Community Services Ltd, Ang Mo Kio, Singapore
| | - Chin Bee Aw
- Family & Community Support Division, AMKFSC Community Services Ltd, Seng Kang, Singapore
| | - Pei Ni Ong
- Specialist Division, AMKFSC Community Services Ltd, Ang Mo Kio, Singapore
| | - Khalisah Binte Samsuri
- Family & Community Support Division, AMKFSC Community Services Ltd, Seng Kang, Singapore
| | - Satvinder Singh Dhaliwal
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western, Australia, Australia
- AMKFSC Community Services Ltd, Ang Mo Kio, Singapore
- Office of the Provost, University of Social Sciences, Clementi, Singapore
- DUKE-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, Singapore
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
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Urrejola-Contreras GP. Relationship between mental fatigue and burnout syndrome in remote workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: an integrative review. Rev Bras Med Trab 2023; 21:e20221003. [PMID: 38313787 PMCID: PMC10835417 DOI: 10.47626/1679-4435-2022-1003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the scientific evidence available in the literature addressing the relationship between mental fatigue and burnout associated with teleworking during the COVID-19 pandemic through an integrative review. This review searched the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Taylor & Francis, Embase, ScienceDirect, and SciELO using the DeCS and MeSH health sciences descriptors. The included articles were published between March and December 2021, during the pandemic. Of a total of 224 results, 215 articles were excluded and 9 were considered for the preparation of this integrative review. Mental fatigue was related to technostress, somatic symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia (p < 0.05), and loss of motivation (p < 0.05). Burnout was positively associated with work overload, high interdependence, and lower role clarity. The presence of a stressful factor and a protective factor was evidenced in burnout: intrusive leadership and workaholism, respectively. Greater exhaustion was observed in workers belonging to generation X (41 to 55 years old). Mental fatigue is related to exhaustion in the productive, physical, and psychological dimensions of individuals. Addiction to work has moderated this phenomenon, however, it is urgent to limit and optimize work hours as well as promote disconnection and rest among workers within the framework of a healthy work policy.
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Nakakande J, Taremwa IM, Nanyingi M, Mugambe S. The Utility of Internet-Enabled Antibiotic Self-Medication and Its Associated Factors Among Patients Attending Private Clinics in Kawempe Division in Kampala Capital City, Uganda: Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Drug Healthc Patient Saf 2023; 15:85-91. [PMID: 37035632 PMCID: PMC10081524 DOI: 10.2147/dhps.s405072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The expanding practice of internet-based antibiotic self-medication raises public health concerns as it increases antibiotic resistance and introduces avoidable risks. This study aims to examine the utility of internet-enabled antibiotic self-medication and its associated factors among patients attending private clinics in Kawempe division in Kampala Capital City, Uganda. Methods This was an analytical cross-sectional study that enrolled participants attending private clinics in Kawempe Division's randomly selected zones. These were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, and the data were analyzed using STATA version 12 software. Logistic regression analysis was used, and variables with p ≤ 0.05 were considered as significantly associated with internet-enabled antibiotic self-medication. Results Out of the 313 respondents, 246 (79%) reportedly had ever used internet sources to self-medicate with antibiotics. Factors such as being male; single; had knowledge of antibiotics; believed that Internet should be used for antibiotic self-medication; Distance to the nearest medical center/hospital from your residence/workplace of about 5 km and residing near a drug shop/pharmacy that gives antibiotics without a prescription increased internet-enabled antibiotic self-medication. Furthermore, the variables of more than three household members; common practice of antibiotic self-medication in a household; did not agree that one can recover from the illness without a doctor's prescription and medical workers who did not explain adequately the antibiotics medication given for the illness decreased internet-enabled antibiotic self-medication. Conclusion This study found that internet-enabled antibiotic self-medication practice is highly utilized and is associated with a variety of individual, household, and healthcare system factors. This necessitates strict adherence to national drug policy regulations governing antibiotic use. Furthermore, community health education is critical in combating such medication practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Nakakande
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Uganda Martyrs University, Kampala, Uganda
- Correspondence: Joan Nakakande; Ivan Mugisha Taremwa, Email ;
| | - Ivan Mugisha Taremwa
- Institute of Allied Health Sciences, Clarke International University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Miisa Nanyingi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Uganda Martyrs University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Samuel Mugambe
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Uganda Martyrs University, Kampala, Uganda
- Institute of Allied Health Sciences, Clarke International University, Kampala, Uganda
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Kelly LM. Reflections on COVID-19 and internal evaluation in a humanitarian non-profit. EVALUATION JOURNAL OF AUSTRALASIA 2023; 23:40-58. [PMID: 38603166 PMCID: PMC9237647 DOI: 10.1177/1035719x221109310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This article uses reflective practice and social interdependence theory to unpack the ways in which our practice as internal evaluators was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, using the development of a monitoring and evaluation framework as a case study. The reflections are separated into six stages: description, feelings, evaluation, analysis, conclusion and action plan. Initial reflections on the impact of COVID-19 drew out the negative effects of the pandemic and associated restrictions, which limited our ability to build rapport and stretched our capacity to balance work and home commitments. Deeper investigation revealed that the disaster pushed us to develop new ways of working that will augment and improve our future efforts. We foresee that these learnings will enable a future with greater ability to offer hybrid online/face-to-face collaborative opportunities that will enhance inclusion and active participation, thereby promoting monitoring and evaluation with greater collective ownership and relevance to a wider audience.
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Moerland I, Vervaet N, Godderis L, Versée M, Du Bois M. Absenteeism at Two Occupational Health Services in Belgium from 2014 to 2021. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3660. [PMID: 36834356 PMCID: PMC9958659 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Medical certification is often needed for absences of longer than one workday. The literature remains unclear as to whether this changes absenteeism. Earlier research found that the merging of two firms can augment or diminish short-term absenteeism. This study was conducted to examine whether prolonging self-certification or merging increases short-term absenteeism. Data from January 2014 to December 2021 were retrospectively collected from HR absenteeism files at two occupational health services in Belgium. Sickness periods of longer than 4 weeks were excluded. Company 1 started a merger in 2014, and company 2 prolonged of the self-certification period in 2018. The total full-time equivalents (FTEs) of company 1 increased by 6%, while company 2 had an increase of 28%. At company 1, there was a decline in absenteeism, while company 2 had an increase. The ARIMA (1, 0, 1) model provided a statistically significant local moving average (company 1: 0.123; company 2: 0.086) but no statistically significant parameters for the intervention (company 1: 0.007, p = 0.672; company 2: 0.000, p = 0.970). Prolonging the self-certification period by up to 5 days without medical certification or merging was not found to increase short-term absenteeism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilse Moerland
- IDEWE, External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Interleuvenlaan 58, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Nouchka Vervaet
- Cohezio, External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Bisschofsheimlaan 1-8, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lode Godderis
- IDEWE, External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Interleuvenlaan 58, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Versée
- Cohezio, External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Bisschofsheimlaan 1-8, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Group, Department of Public Health, VUB, Faculty of Medicine, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc Du Bois
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Machin R. UK local government experience of COVID-19 Lockdown: Local responses to global challenges. LOCAL ECONOMY 2023; 38:80-91. [PMID: 38602972 PMCID: PMC10251167 DOI: 10.1177/02690942231181562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Local authorities in the United Kingdom played an integral role in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. During a time of unprecedented crisis, local authorities acted quickly to strengthen local governance arrangements and to deliver frontline services. The public health emergency created unparalleled challenges for local authorities. This paper reflects on the experience of Nottingham City Council, a local authority in the East Midlands of England. It draws on an in-depth interview with the then Deputy Leader of the authority and the chair of the Outbreak Control Engagement Board, and the publicly available minutes from this committee. This paper places the specific experiences of this local authority in a broader context reflecting on emergency planning, best practice, and legacy. It contributes to understanding the national impact of COVID-19 on local government. Four key themes emerge from this analysis: first central government was too slow in responding to the emerging crisis and communication with local government was poor, second the local authority quickly moved online but there has subsequently been a return to pre-pandemic working practices, third local government played a critical role in supporting vulnerable citizens despite huge budgetary pressures, and finally relationships between partners was crucial in achieving positive outcomes.
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Victor B, Mayer CH. The love of pets in managing remote work challenges during Covid-19. Int Rev Psychiatry 2022; 35:86-96. [PMID: 36538065 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2022.2151342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, a large number of employed individuals all over the world were obliged to work remotely during lockdown. This article focuses on the coping mechanisms which individuals used to manage this difficult situation, specifically the impact which loving and caring for pets had on the way in which people dealt with the challenges of the remote-working environment. Methodologically, this qualitative study used a phenomenological research design to understand the lived experience of the participants in the study. Ten qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with pet owners during the Covid-19 lockdown period in South Africa. The sample was recruited using purposeful and snowball sampling techniques. Data were analysed through content analysis while qualitative quality criteria were applied. Findings show pets supported their owners in many different ways during the pandemic and only the animal's presence supported the owners at home physically, psychologically and emotionally. They helped to reduce the stress of their owners and create a homely atmosphere. Pets played a specific role in providing love, companionship, strong emotional and affective bonds and by creating experiences of comfort, positive as well as negative distraction from work, and physical presence. The experience of love was one major aspect of the relationships between pets and humans. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations are given with regard to future research, highlighting how organisations and consultants can use the positive influences of pets in remote-working scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Victor
- Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Claude-Hélène Mayer
- Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Tautz DC, Schübbe K, Felfe J. Working from home and its challenges for transformational and health-oriented leadership. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1017316. [DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1017316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The Covid-19 crisis forced many employees to abruptly relocate their workplace from the office to their homes. As working from home is expected to remain part of our working world, consequences for leadership need to be examined. Our study aims to investigate the concrete challenges regarding the feasibility of transformational leadership and health-oriented leadership in this remote setting. Therefore, we collected quantitative and qualitative data of 23 leaders and 18 employees from various organizations in Germany. Both groups were asked to report their experiences during working from home in comparison to the traditional office setting. Findings of our study provide a comprehensive understanding regarding the underlying mechanism that impede transformational and health-oriented leadership in the remote setting. Among them participants reported a lack of social presence, limited informal chats, communication difficulties and lack of mutual trust. Based on our findings we derive practical implications for leaders and HR practitioners.
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Calderón Peralvo F, Cazorla Vanegas P, Avila-Ordóñez E. A systematic review of COVID-19 transport policies and mitigation strategies around the globe. TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH INTERDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVES 2022; 15:100653. [PMID: 35873107 PMCID: PMC9289094 DOI: 10.1016/j.trip.2022.100653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
This paper reports a Scopus-based systematic literature review of a wide variety of transportation policies and mitigation strategies that have been conducted around the world to minimize COVID-19 contagion risk in transportation systems. The review offers a representative coverage of countries across all continents of the planet, as well as among representative climate regions - as weather is an important factor to consider. The readership interested in policies and mitigation strategies is expected to involve a wide range of actors, each involving a particular application context; hence, the literature is also characterized by key attributes such as: transportation mode; actor (users, operators, government, industry); jurisdiction (national, provincial, city, neighborhood); and area of application (planning, regulation, operations, research, incentives). An in-depth analysis of the surveyed literature is then reported, focusing first on condensing the literature into 151 distinct policies and strategies, which are subsequently categorized into 25 broad categories that are discussed at length. The compendium and discussion of strategies and policies reported not only provide comprehensive guidelines to inform various courses of action for decision-makers, planners, and social communicators, but also emphasize on future work and the potential of some of these strategies to be the precursors of meaningful, more sustainable behavioral changes in future mobility patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Calderón Peralvo
- Research Group "Models, Analysis and Simulation (MAS) Applied to Transport Systems", Computer Science Department, University of Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Patricia Cazorla Vanegas
- Research Group "Models, Analysis and Simulation (MAS) Applied to Transport Systems", Computer Science Department, University of Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Elina Avila-Ordóñez
- Research Group "Models, Analysis and Simulation (MAS) Applied to Transport Systems", Computer Science Department, University of Cuenca, Ecuador
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Schöttl SE, Schnitzer M, Savoia L, Kopp M. Physical Activity Behavior During and After COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Orders-A Longitudinal Study in the Austrian, German, and Italian Alps. Front Public Health 2022; 10:901763. [PMID: 35712287 PMCID: PMC9194442 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.901763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Alpine regions, which are very similar due to their topographical location and their wide-ranging sports offerings, the restrictions on sports activities during the COVID-19 pandemic differed in type and level: while in some regions (Tyrol, South Tyrol, Trentino), all sports activities were forbidden except for walking near the home, in other regions (Upper Bavaria, Vorarlberg), people were allowed to go hiking and running during the first lockdown. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the change in physical activity (PA) behavior in different Alpine regions (Upper Bavaria, Vorarlberg, Tyrol, South Tyrol, Trentino) over four periods in 2020, to examine the effects of COVID-19 measures of varying severity on PA behavior and to identify factors associated with a change in PA over time. Methods A retrospective online survey was conducted (N = 2975) from December 2020, to January 2021. Using the questionnaire of the Eurobarometer 472 study, PA behavior was measured over four periods: before COVID-19 (March), during the first lockdown (March and April), during the relaxed period (May-October) and during the second lockdown (November and December) in 2020. Results During the first (M = 5.0h, SD = 4.5) and the second lockdowns (M = 4.9h, SD = 4.3), the participants (age: 42 years, overly active in sports) engaged less in sports than before (M = 5.9h, SD = 4.8) and during the relaxed period in summer (M = 6.4h, SD = 5.0) (average number of hours per week being physically active). A larger percentage of participants from Alpine regions with severe restrictions (Tyrol, South Tyrol, Trentino) decreased their PA during the first lockdown as compared to participants from Upper Bavaria and Vorarlberg with a less strict first lockdown. Those with psychological distress, male participants, and individuals with decreased physical health and less free time during COVID-19 were more likely to reduce their PA. Conclusions Despite a short-term negative effect of COVID-19 restrictions on exercise participation during lockdowns, the majority of respondents returned to their original levels of PA during the relaxed COVID-19 phases. As a comparison of Alpine regions shows, particularly severe COVID-19 measures seem to have reduced PA with potential negative health effects. For the future, policy makers and sports organizations should collaborate to support the population in their PA behavior during pandemics to outweigh restrictions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin Schnitzer
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Laura Savoia
- Sports Observatory of the Autonomous Province of Bozen/Bolzano—South Tyrol, Bozen, Italy
| | - Martin Kopp
- Department of Sport Science, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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