Physical Activity and Depression among Korean Female College Students Due to COVID-19

Abstract

College students’ physical activity and depression are important factors that can predict physical and psychological health after middle age. In particular, it is necessary to approach these two variables with interest in female college students who show less physical activity and a higher tendency to depression than male students, especially at a time when physical activity is reduced due to COVID-19. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between differences in depression according to the amount of physical activity before and after the COVID-19 pandemic and variables for female college students. A total of 467 students attending colleges in two cities participated in the study. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory were used to assess physical activity and depression, respectively. For the analysis, descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation analysis were conducted. The results are as follows: first, the total physical activity of female college students decreased, and depression increased due to COVID-19. Second, depression levels differed among female college students according to their level of physical activity before and after the pandemic. Finally, a negative correlation was found between the amount of physical activity and the level of depression among female college students. In conclusion, the amount of physical activity and depression of female college students were judged to be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, and thereafter, experimental studies to reduce depression in female college students by increasing physical activity are required.