Examination of physical activity depression anxiety stress and perceived stress levels during the COVID-19 period

This study aims to determine the physical activity, depression, anxiety, stress, and perceived stress levels of individuals during the COVID-19 period and examine the relationships between these parameters. It also aims to reveal the reasons why individuals prefer active and inactive lifestyles in these processes. The research sample consists of a total of 1377 participants with an average age of 22.76±3.96 years living in different provinces of Turkey. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, and Perceived Stress Scale were used as data collection tools in the research. Independent sample t-test, One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal Wallis-H test, McNemar test, Pearson and Spearman rank correlation coefficients were used in the analysis of data.In the study, those who had COVID-19 and those who did not have COVID-19 stated that they stopped physical activity due to bans and closure of sports facilities and that they did not stop physical activity for a healthy life. Statistically significant differences were found in the physical activity, depression, anxiety, stress, and perceived stress scores of the participants according to gender, age, COVID-19 status, physical activity before and during the epidemic, and physical activity type. In addition, a negative relationship was found between physical activity and depression, anxiety, stress, and perceived stress levels.It was concluded that COVID-19 affected and changed the participants' physical activity status, physical activity types, and reasons for doing and not doing physical activity. It also shows that physical activity has a positive effect on mental health during the epidemic period.