Staying Physically Active Is Associated with Better Mental Health and Sleep Health Outcomes during the Initial Period of COVID-19 Induced Nation-Wide Lockdown in Jordan

The Effects of Physical Activity on Health-Related Quality of Life Among Working Mothers Living in Amman: A Correlational Study

Background

Jordan has a high prevalence of physical inactivity, a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases. Working mothers are a high-risk group who face significant barriers to physical activity and experience a decline in their quality of life.

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the potential impact of physical activity adherence on health-related quality of life and physical fitness among a sample of working mothers.

Patients and Methods

A Correlational, retrospective analytical design, was employed among a sample of working mothers (n=120), from Amman and was divided into two comparison groups. Data collection included a self-reported questionnaire using a demographic questionnaire, a health perception scale, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form, the International Fitness Scale, and the Quality of Life Brief questionnaire. The statistical analysis was independent t-test analysis, analysis of variance (One-way ANOVA), Pearson r correlation and regression used to estimate the prediction of dependent variables based on independent variables.

Results

The results found a significant positive relationship between physical activity and overall quality of life and its domains (physical, psychological, and environmental); however, there was no statistically significant difference in the social domain. Adherence to physical activity was a significant positive predictor of quality of life. Moreover, the health perception level was a significant positive predictor. A t-test revealed a statistically significant difference between the physically active group and a sedentary group of working mothers regarding changes in Health-Related Quality of Life; physically active mothers are more likely to have better physical (p < 0.024), psychological (p < 0.001), and overall quality of life (p < 0.011). Furthermore, Physical fitness significantly predicted physical activity in the study results.

Conclusion

This study confirms the existence of positive correlations between physical activity and working women's quality of life and physical fitness. Mothers with higher levels of physical activity are more likely to have better physical, psychological, and environmental domains of quality of life and better physical fitness.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health among the Population in Jordan

BACKGROUND

Mental health is a key indicator for public health measures. Jordan is one of the countries that has a high prevalence of mental illness and disorders. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all health services in the country with a high refugee population. The aim of this review is to assess the impact of the pandemic on mental health in Jordan and identify key factors affecting it, in addition to addressing lessons learned from the pandemic.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted on Medline Plus, Embase, Web of Science, EBSCOHost Psycinfo and Cinhal, following the PRISMA guidelines. Articles were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were extracted and synthesized using narrative descriptive analysis.

RESULTS

The pandemic had a significant impact on PTSD, psychological distress, anxiety, depression and stress. Predictors of a higher impact on mental health were related to gender, socio-economic status and comorbidities. The healthcare workers group was the most affected by mental disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic's impact on mental health was associated with high levels of PTSD, anxiety, depression and stress. In a country with a high prevalence of mental disorders, prompt and quick measures are needed to support the health system to absorb the effect of the pandemic and be responsive to dealing with the existing high prevalence.