코로나바이러스감염증-19의 사회적 거리두기 상황에서 한국 대학생의 신체활동, 사회활동 수준 및 우울 증상과의 관계에 대한 조사연구

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the depressive symptoms of college students associated with the limited physical and social activities during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: A web-based survey was conducted with a standardized e-questionnaire generated using the Google form. The web-link was distributed to college students through the social media platform, Facebook, to obtain data on the levels of physical and social activities and depressive symptoms owing to strict social distancing measures adopted for coronavirus prevention. Physical and social activities and depressive symptoms were assessed by the Korean version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, measured on a 0-to-100 numerical rating scale, and Center for Epidemiology Studies Short Depression Scale, respectively. Results: A total of 261 university students participated in this survey. The median score of depressive symptoms was 3.0 (IQ1,3=2.0, 5.0), with 61.3% experiencing depression using the cut-off point≥3. The levels of physical activity were classified as level 1(inactive group), 27.2%, level 2 (minimally active group), 42% to level 3 (health-enhancing group), 29.9%. Depressive symptoms were not significantly different by physical activity levels (H=5.01, p=.081). The median score of perceived restriction in social activity was 70.0 (50.0, 80.0), suggesting that increased perceived social activity restriction was associated with increased likelihood of depression (OR=1.012, CI=1.001, 1.023). Conclusion: Owing to social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, depressive symptoms in college students were substantial. Notably, depressive symptoms increased with more perceived restrictions in social activity, suggesting the urgent need to address college students' mental health during this global crisis of the COVID-19.