Pre-pandemic physical activity as a predictor of infection and mortality associated with COVID-19: Evidence from the National Health Insurance Service

Saengryeol Park; Hyeseong Kim; So-Youn Park; In-Hwan Oh

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1072198

Frontiers in Public Health (Feb 2023)

Pre-pandemic physical activity as a predictor of infection and mortality associated with COVID-19: Evidence from the National Health Insurance Service

Saengryeol Park,
Hyeseong Kim,
So-Youn Park,
In-Hwan Oh

Affiliations

Saengryeol Park: Department of Physical Education, College of Education, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
Hyeseong Kim: Department of Physical Education, College of Education, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
So-Youn Park: Department of Medical Education and Humanities, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
In-Hwan Oh: Preventive Medicine (AgeTech-Service Convergence Major), College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1072198
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 11

Abstract

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IntroductionDuring the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many populations have experienced reduced physical activity (PA) levels, weight gain, and increased anxiety and depression. However, according to a previous study, engaging in PA has a positive effect on damages caused by COVID-19. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between PA and COVID-19 using the National Health Insurance Sharing Service Database in South Korea.MethodsLogistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association of PA with COVID-19 and mortality. The analysis was adjusted for body mass index, sex, age, insurance type, comorbidity, and region of residence at baseline. Disability and lifestyle (weight, smoking, and drinking status) were adjusted consecutively.ResultsThe results indicated that engaging in insufficient PA as per the WHO guidelines predicts a higher risk of COVID-19 when controlling for personal characteristics, comorbidity, lifestyle, disability, and mortality.DiscussionThis study revealed the need to engage in PA and manage weight to reduce the risk of infection and mortality associated with COVID-19. Because engaging in PA is an important component of weight management and can help restore physical and mental health after the COVID-19 pandemic, it should be emphasized as a pillar of recovery after COVID-19.

Published in Frontiers in Public Health

ISSN: 2296-2565 (Online)
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Medicine: Public aspects of medicine
Website: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health

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