6533b7d2fe1ef96bd125f356

RESEARCH PRODUCT

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subject

medicine.medical_specialtyCross-sectional studybusiness.industryHealth Toxicology and MutagenesisPublic healthmedia_common.quotation_subjectPublic Health Environmental and Occupational HealthSittingMental health03 medical and health sciences0302 clinical medicineEnvironmental healthPandemicmedicineAnxiety030212 general & internal medicinePsychological resiliencemedicine.symptombusiness030217 neurology & neurosurgeryDepression (differential diagnoses)media_common

description

The COVID-19 pandemic has become a public health emergency of international concern, which may have affected lifestyle habits and mental health. Based on national health profile assessments, this study investigated perceived changes of lifestyle habits in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and associations between perceived lifestyle changes and mental health in Swedish working adults. Among 5599 individuals (50% women, 46.3 years), the majority reported no change (sitting 77%, daily physical activity 71%, exercise 69%, diet 87%, alcohol 90%, and smoking 97%) due to the pandemic. Changes were more pronounced during the first wave (April–June) compared to the second (October–December). Women, individuals <60 years, those with a university degree, white-collar workers, and those with unhealthy lifestyle habits at baseline had higher odds of changing lifestyle habits compared to their counterparts. Negative changes in lifestyle habits and more time in a mentally passive state sitting at home were associated with higher odds of mental ill-health (including health anxiety regarding one’s own and relatives’ health, generalized anxiety and depression symptoms, and concerns regarding employment and economy). The results emphasize the need to support healthy lifestyle habits to strengthen the resilience in vulnerable groups of individuals to future viral pandemics and prevent health inequalities in society.