Physical activity and anxiety during the Covid-19 pandemic in Tanzania

Insights for public health policy in low-income contexts

Bibliographic Data

ID22083647
AuthorsJoyce Sifa Ndabi (0000-0003-2604-1321, University of Dar es Salaam), Alfa Simwanza (0000-0002-9840-4577, University of Dar es Salaam), Johnbosco Chika Chukwuorji (0000-0003-4065-4327, University of Nigeria), Dawn Tladi (University of Botswana), Rosemary C Muomah (University of Nigeria), Sampson Kelechi Nwonyi (Ebonyi State University), Doris Akosua Tay (0000-0002-1148-4325, University of Ghana), Dale Joachim, Leapetswe Malete (0000-0001-6886-7012, Michigan State University), Clement Adamba (0000-0001-8545-8202, University of Ghana), Vida Korleki Nyawornota (0000-0003-2353-0998, University of Ghana), Oscar Nyanyo Nyanynofio, Oscar Nyanynofio (University of Ghana), Samuel Kofi Donkor (0000-0002-0913-609X, University of Health and Allied Sciences), Reginald Ocansey (University of Ghana, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume12
Pages1483153-1483153
Publication date2024-12-23
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpubh.2024.1483153
PMID39764190
OpenAlexW4405694136
LanguageEN
References cited17

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic heightened anxiety levels globally, disproportionately affecting low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Physical activity (PA) has shown potential to alleviate mental health challenges, including anxiety. This study explores the relationship between PA and anxiety among Tanzanian adults during the pandemic, examining whether self-reported health status moderates this relationship and identifying demographic variations. Methods: Data from 213 adults were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale. Self-reported health was also reported. Results: Vigorous physical activity was significantly associated with lower anxiety, while moderate physical activity showed weaker effects. Walking and sedentary behavior were not significantly associated with anxiety. Health status did not moderate these relationships, but subgroup analyses indicated stronger effects of vigorous physical activity among men and younger adults. Conclusion: These findings highlight the relevance of PA, particularly vigorous and moderate physical activity, in supporting mental health in LMIC contexts such as Tanzania. The findings further underscore the importance of targeted, culturally relevant physical activity interventions in LMICs to mitigate anxiety and enhance mental health resilience

Anxiety · Disease · Environmental health · Geography · Mental health · Pandemic · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Psychological resilience · Public health · Tanzania · Clinical Psychology · COVID-19 and Mental Health · Medicine · Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions · Physical Activity and Health · Psychology · Gerontology

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