Abstract

Background

The objective of this paper is to describe the exercise and changes in screen time habits, and their relationship with health, among participants of the Canadian Perspectives Survey Series (CPSS).

Data and methods

Between March 29th and April 3rd 2020, CPSS participants (n = 4,524) reported whether they were exercising outdoors or indoors and whether they increased, decreased or maintained their TV, Internet and video game use. Participants also reported their self-perceived general and mental health.

Results

More women reported very good or excellent mental health if they were exercising outdoors (54%) compared with those who were not (41%). More women reported very good or excellent general health if they were exercising outdoors (75%) compared with those who were not (49%), with the same trend evident for those exercising indoors (69%) compared to those who were not (62%). More men (65%) and women (62%) rated their mental and general health as very good or excellent if they maintained or decreased TV time compared with those who increased TV time (57% and 43%, respectively), with the same evident for Internet use in women only (maintained/decreased: 61% versus increased: 44%). More men (63%) and women (52%) rated their mental health as very good or excellent if they maintained or decreased video game time compared with those who increased video game time (48% and 29%, respectively). More men and women reported very good or excellent mental and general health if they increased none or one type of screen and/or were exercising outdoors compared with those who increased 2 or 3 types of screens and who were not exercising outdoors, with the exception of general health among men.

Interpretation

Maintaining opportunities for outdoor exercise and limiting screen time may promote better mental and general health during periods of confinement.

Keywords

coronavirus, mental health, physical activity

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.25318/82-003-x202000600001-eng

Findings

Physical distancing measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 were implemented in Canada in March 2020 and included widespread border, school and business closures. This departure from normality led to a dramatic shift in daily routines as many Canadians suddenly found themselves working from home, homeschooling their children and avoiding unnecessary trips outside their homes. While physical distancing measures are fundamental to reduce virus transmission, prolonged restrictions can lead to decreased opportunities for outdoor exercise and increased anxiety and depression. During the confinement period, fewer Canadians rated their own mental health highly when compared with a sample of Canadians in 2018. Moreover, many reported increased feelings of anxiety about their own health and that of others. Those who reported better mental health during the pandemic were more likely to report having exercised outdoors. [Full article]

Authors

Rachel C. Colley (rachel.colley@canada.ca), Tracey Bushnik, and Kellie Langlois are with the Health Analysis Division at Statistics Canada in Ottawa,
Ontario.

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