The impact of COVID-19 on physical activity and mental health: A mixed-methods approach

The global COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted people’s physical and mental health, and studies on ways to support people are scarce. This mixed-methods study investigated how and why physical activity (PA), anxiety, depression and self-perceived loneliness are related, and the feasibility of social prescribing in supporting individuals. Data from the UCL-Penn Global COVID Study wave 1 (17 April – 17 July 2020, N = 1,037) were analysed. Twenty-one UK adults who self-identified as low (n = 15) and high (n = 6) on PA at wave 1 were interviewed at wave 4 (18 March – 1 August 2022). At wave 1, depression was associated with higher odds of low-PA (OR = 1.05; 95% CI 1.01-1.10, p = .02). Both high/low-PA groups cited the threat of contracting coronavirus, general impacts of COVID-19 policies and heightened awareness of the mind-body connection. Findings detail practical and emotional challenges in engaging with social prescribing through clinical settings.