Physical Activity, Dietary Habits and Factors Associated with Depression Among Medical Students of Sindh, Pakistan, During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Feriha Fatima Khidri,1,2 Hina Riaz,2,3 Urooj Bhatti,3 Kamran Ali Shahani,4 Faiza Kamran Ali,5 Sadia Effendi,6 Keenjhar Rani,3 Muhammad Nadeem Chohan7 1Department of Biochemistry, Bilawal Medical College, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan; 2Medical Research Centre, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan; 3Department of Physiology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan; 4Department of Pediatrics, Khairpur Medical College, Khairpur Mir’s, Pakistan; 5Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Khairpur Medical College, Khairpur Mir’s, Pakistan; 6Department of Anatomy, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan; 7Department of Pediatrics, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, PakistanCorrespondence: Feriha Fatima Khidri, Department of Biochemistry, Bilawal Medical College, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Pakistan, Email feriha.fatima@lumhs.edu.pkObjective: To find out the association of physical activity, dietary habits and factors associated with depression among medical students of Sindh, Pakistan, during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted between June and August, 2020, on medical students from three medical institutions of Sindh, Pakistan. The study comprised three structured questionnaires related to demographic details, physical activity, dietary and sleep habits, COVID-19 pandemic-associated factors and patient health questionnaire, PHQ-9. A total of 864 students completed the questionnaires and participated in the study. The data was analysed on SPSS version 23.Results: Our study showed that 244 (28.2%) medical students had mild depression, 192 (22.2%) had moderate depression, 80 (9.3%) had moderately severe depression and 80 (9.3%) had severe depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Out of 864 students, 268 (31%) had no depression. Socioeconomic status, body mass index (BMI), chronic disease/comorbidity, addiction and non-medical prescription drug use were found to be statistically significant predictors of depression among medical students. On multilogistic regression analysis, physical activity, social media/app use and sleeping habits during COVID-19 were associated with depression (p-value < 0.05).Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected physical activity and sleeping habits in association with depression among medical students. Promoting healthy eating habits, adequate physical activity, and a healthy lifestyle, particularly among students during lockdowns, is a critical component of coping with mental stress and depression. The findings of this study will aid in future research and campaign design in preparation for future pandemics and lockdowns.Keywords: COVID-19, depression, dietary habits, physical activity