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Assessing the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Jamaica: Physical Activity Participation, Weight Gain, and the Mental Health Perception

Van Der Rowe

Faculty of Science and Sport, University of Technology, Jamaica

Abstract: The purpose of this research was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity (PA) participation, weight gain, and the mental health perception in Jamaica. A quantitative approach was applied using a cross-sectional survey design to collect data. The research surveyed 836 Jamaicans from all 14 parishes using a structured questionnaire via Google Forms. The research used a combined sampling method that included convenience and snowball techniques to survey participants ages 12-71 years. The results indicated that the level of PA participation during the COVID-19 pandemic was 73.3%. However, 87.2% of the respondents engaged in less than 150 minutes of PA per week, while 96.1% of the respondents participated in low intensity and short durations of PA below the recommended PA guidelines set out by the WHO as the very minimum needed to provide health benefits to people. Additionally, the government restrictions impacted eating habits and weight gain for majority of the respondents. Stress and depression were the most perceived mental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the participants.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, physical activity participation, weight gain, mental health

Received June 08, 2021; Revised June 21, 2021; Accepted June 29, 2021

Citation: Van Der Rowe, Assessing the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Jamaica: Physical Activity Participation, Weight Gain, and the Mental Health Perception. Journal of Physical Activity Research, 6 (1). 65-71. January 2021. doi:10.12691/jpar-6-1-9

1. Introduction

It has been well established that inactivity is significantly affecting the health status of many people worldwide. The issue of inactivity has been the center of many global discussions for decades now. The discussions worldwide always conclude that engagement in physical activity (PA) and practicing healthy lifestyles are essential for improving health status. It has been well proven that PA offers significant benefits in reducing and controlling non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Despite the consensus on the importance and the impact of PA on general health, the world is still struggling to get NCDs under control. WHO [1] argues that PA has many health benefits for the heart, mind, and body. PA also helps deter and manage non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, stroke, and heart conditions. It improves thought, learning, and judgment skills while reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Amini et al. [2] collaborated statements made by WHO [1] that PA is essential in reducing the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and even some types of cancers. It may also help to reduce or prevent NCD risk factors like cholesterol, obesity, overweight, and increases mental health and the quality of life.

The WHO [1] and Amini et al. [2] indicated that the global PA levels were low long before the COVID-19 pandemic. WHO [1] and Amini et al. [2] research further explained that PA had been slowly increasing worldwide due to many initiatives by WHO and individual countries. Currently, one out of every four adults and three out of every four teenagers (aged 11-17 years) in the world do not follow the global PA guidelines. As a result of the increased use of technologies, evolving commuting habits, and urbanization. The degree of inactivity in certain countries was about 70% [1].

Physical inactivity and sedentary habits cause a significant economic strain around the world. Additionally, morbidity and mortality resulting from the increased risk of severe health conditions from lack of PA. The international economic contribution of physical inactivity to the healthcare sector in 2013 was projected to be about 54 billion international dollars. Furthermore, there were $13.7 billion in productivity-related losses resulting from death caused by physical inactivity [2]. The rising cost and death resulting from the level of inactivity worldwide have prompted an intensified initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO). In response, the WHO launched the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018–2030 to encourage PA and monitor inactivity [3].

Before the launch of the action plan on PA, the Global Observatory for Physical Activity was founded in 2012, to document the global progress in PA monitoring, research, and policy. The Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA) is a body of the International Society for Physical Activity and Health [3]. Furthermore, before this body was established, there was little data on national PA monitoring, research, and policy, so comparisons between countries and regions of the world were difficult. GoPA began issuing PA Country Cards in 2015, and to date, they have issued PA profiles for 139 countries [3]. In January 2021, GoPA released the second set of Country Cards based on data from 217 nations up to 2019. From these 217 nations, the GoPA network has local representatives in 150 plus nations [4]. The information provided in the Country Cards was a good starting point for learning more about global PA levels. It ensures that the WHO has access to reliable information on the monitoring, evaluating, and executing of PA intervention initiatives and strategies in all the participating countries [3]. Additionally, by 2025 and 2030, the global action plan aims for a 10% and 15% relative decrease in the global incidence of physical inactivity, respectively [2]. Research conducted by Amini et al. [2] indicated that the WHO’s target of a 10% reduction in inactivity levels by 2025 would not be met based on the trends observed in 2018 and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What does global physical inactivity levels look like since the COVID-19 pandemic? The WHO has not comprehensively covered the impact of the pandemic on inactivity levels worldwide. However, there have been several segmented studies that were done on PA levels in different countries. One such research was conducted by McCarthy et al. [5] that examined PA behavior before, during, and after COVID-19 restrictions. The research results suggest that there was a significant drop in PA levels during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. McCarthy et al. [5] further explained that the most popular method has been to conduct cross-sectional polls, which have consistently revealed significant decreases in PA. The ECLB-COVID-19 international survey received responses from 1047 people from Africa (40%), Asia (36%), Europe (21%), and other parts of the world (3%); the dates were April 6-11, 2020. The ECLB-COVID-19 international survey that was highlighted by McCarthy et al. [5] discovered significant reductions in PA in relation to the COVID-19 restrictions (e.g., a 24 % reduction in the number of days per week spent doing moderate-intensity PA and a 34% reduction in the time spent walking per day).

Rogers and colleagues (2020) as cited in McCarthy et al. [5], conducted an online survey from April 6 to 22, 2020, and found that 25% of respondents did less PA and 12% did more. Also, some females did not have access to a greenhouse, having different underline conditions, and sharing feelings regarding personal or family-related risks were all predictors of doing less PA. Older individuals (those above the age of 70) were more likely to be doing the same amount of PA [5]. Wilke et al. [6] research results also showed a decrease from 80.9% to 62.5% compared to pre-pandemic conformity with the WHO guidelines on PA. The results suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly decreased the global PA levels. Wilke et al. [6] research corroborated results from Diniz [7] and Sidebottom [8] studies that indicated a significant reduction in PA levels worldwide because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

What impact did the pandemic have on PA levels in Jamaica? There was no available research related to the impact of the pandemic on PA levels in Jamaica while conducting this study. The most recent and widely recognized research on PA levels in Jamaica was published by the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey in 2018. Based on that research, the PA levels in Jamaica could be considered as a crisis. According to the Jamaica Health and Lifestyle Survey [9], about 82% of Jamaicans are participating below the WHO recommendations for PA. Only about 2% of the population was engaging in high-level PA, and another 16% participated in moderate PA levels, which met the WHO minimum recommendations.

Jamaica’s Country Card in 2015 indicated that 347,520 (12.8%) of Jamaicans died from physical inactivity, and the PA prevalence rate was 72% [4]. According to Rowe [10] several initiatives have been employed by the Government of Jamaica and by extension, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MHOW) to curb inactivity and NCDs in the country. Rowe [10] further explained that the initiatives by MHOW to curb inactivity and NCDs in Jamaica had seen a slight reduction, especially in the number of people dying because of inactivity up to 2019. GoPA [4] second set of Country Cards that were issued in January 2021 has collaborated the results found by Rowe [10]; the Country Card for Jamaica indicated that there was a reduction in deaths from inactivity. The Country Card showed that 246,527 (8.4%) of Jamaicans died because of physical inactivity. However, the PA prevalence within the country declined by 5% to 67%. The Country Card published for Jamaica in 2021 also indicated that deaths by NCDs were at 79%. Rowe [10] believes that the initiatives by MHOW (including health education, capacity building, TV ads, school programs, wellness checks, and the Jamaica Moves campaign) and the advances in medical care have contributed to a reduction in inactivity deaths from 12.8% to 8.4%.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many of the initiatives by the MOHW to curb inactivity in Jamaica to a standstill. The MOHW and many Jamaicans are now fearful that the government's restrictions, considering the global crisis, could worsen the already worrying PA levels. As a result, this research sought to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on PA participation, weight gain, and the mental health perception in Jamaica. The study can significantly help Jamaica and the international monitoring agency in supplying valuable data, which can help to plan strategic interventions based on the current situation.

2. Methods

2.1. Research Approach and Design

The study took the form of a quantitative approach utilizing a cross-sectional survey design. The quantitative approach was chosen because it was the most appropriate method for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting the data for observing figures and numerical patterns. A single cross-sectional survey was used to collect and analyze data from the population during May 22-31, 2021. This design was chosen because of the large sample of the population that needed to be reached. The survey is also ideal for acquiring demographic information on the sample's makeup. Thus, the design is versatile in terms of the types and number of variables that were researched. The design is also very efficient and effective in digitizing the questionnaire, especially in the COVID-19 pandemic; it made generalization simple.

2.2. Population and Sample

The target population for this research covers residents living in Jamaica. The aim of the research was to assess the impact of the pandemic throughout the island of Jamaica, targeting all parishes. The pandemic has impacted outdoor sports and PA for many Jamaicans in different ways; the research sought to collect sufficient data to make an appropriate generalization on PA participation, weight gained, and the perceived mental impact during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample size for this research was 836 residents living in Jamaica, with respondents coming from all parishes. The participants had to be at least 12 years old to participate in this research with the appropriate parental permission.

2.3. Instrument and Sampling Technique

A questionnaire containing 17 items was created in Google Forms and administered for the collection of data. The questionnaire sought responses for frequency of participation in PA before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, participants were asked about the types of PA they participated in, the duration, their weight increase, changes in eating habits, and the perceived mental impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the pandemic restrictions still being enforced in Jamaica, the sampling process utilized a combined sampling method. This form of sampling method included convenience and snowball techniques. In snowballing, participants made referrals for the recruitment of samples for the research project. Participants were also sampled using the convenience sampling technique because they were convenient sources of data for the research and could be easily accessed by the researcher during the COVID-19 restrictions.

2.4. Data Analysis

The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical package. The data was downloaded from Google Forms into a Microsoft excel document where some word values were changed with a numeric representation in preparation for SPSS. Afterward, the data was imported to SPSS, where statistical analysis was done using Pearson Chi-Square test, Pearson Correlation test, and an ANOVA test to generate charts, summaries, and p-values. The data were interpreted and reported based on p-value representations, strengths, weaknesses, differences, and the relationships between variables.

3. Results

The survey sought responses from all 14 parishes in Jamaica with participants ages ranging from 12 to 71 years, 836 responses were received. Majority of the participants, 624 (74.6%) were females and 200 (23.9%) of the participants were males, and 12 (1.4%) of the participants did not wish to state their gender. As it relates to the parishes, 182 (21.8%) of the participants came from St. Catherine, 163 (19.5%) of the participants came from St. Andrew, 128 (15.3%) of the participants came from the capital Kingston, 97 (11.6%) of the participants were from St. James and the remaining participants were fairly evenly distributed in the other ten parishes. As it relates to the location of the participants within each parish, 360 (43.1%) of the participants reside in the urban areas of their parish, 240 (28.7%) of the participants reside in suburban areas, and 236 (28.2%) of the participants reside in rural areas.

3.1. What Impact did the COVID-19 Pandemic have on Physical Activity and Mental Health in Jamaica?

The frequency of PA before the pandemic: Participation in PA was 80% of the total responses; the participants indicated that they were participating in some form of PA before the pandemic, and the other 20% said they were never participating in any PA. Specifically, 27.6% of the participants indicated that they participated 3-4 times per week in PA. Furthermore, 15% of the participants indicated that they participated 1-2 times per week, while 11.6% participated once per day. Additionally, 9.5% of the participants also indicated that they participated in PA once per week. The other 16.3% of the participants indicated less frequent participation in PA.

The frequency and length of PA participation during the pandemic: Participation was 73.3% of the total responses; the participants indicated that they have been doing some form of PA during the pandemic. At the same time, the other 26.7% indicated that they did not participate in any PA during the pandemic. Specifically, 25.6% of the participants indicated that they participate in PA 3-4 times per week. Another 14.4% of the participants indicated that they participate 1-2 times per week and 9.9% also indicated that they participate once per day. Additionally, 8.5% of the respondents indicated that they participate in PA once per week. Furthermore, the other 14.9% of the participants indicated less frequent participation in PA.

On the other hand, participants were also asked to indicate the length of their PA participation during the pandemic per session, 24.8% of the respondents indicated that they participated in 1 hour or more of PA during the pandemic. Additionally, 19% of the participants indicated that their sessions were 30 minutes. The other 56.2% of the respondents either indicated that the length of their participation was below 30 minutes or they did not know the length of participation or they did not participate in any PA during the pandemic. The 32-51 age group participated more frequently in PA at lower intensities in activities such as walking, the duration (length of time) of their participation is between 30-45 minutes. Overall, 87.2% of the participants were engaged in less than 150 minutes of PA per week and 96.1% of the participants level of involvement were not enough to provide significant health benefits.

3.2. Comparative Analysis of PA before and during the Pandemic

Table 1. Shows significance score for PA before and during the pandemic

An ANOVA test was used to compare the frequency of PA participation before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results of the analysis determined that there were significant differences in frequency of participation before and during the COVID-19 pandemic as indicated in Table 1, F (2,27) =9.234, p<.000.

The types of PA participated in during the pandemic: The participants were asked to select the activity that they participated in more frequently, 24.3% of the participants indicated that during the pandemic they participated in PA workout sessions. Another 21.4% indicated that they participated in brisk walking and 7.1% indicated that they took part in backyard gardening. Additionally, 5.6% and 5.2% participated in running activities and sports, respectively. The other 36.4% of the respondents either did not participate in any PA or selected other areas with very low percentages.

Reasons for the lack of or limited participation in PA during the pandemic: The highest response came from 19.2% of the participants indicating that their lack of or limited participation in PA came from a lack of motivation to participate. Another 16.8% indicated that they were too busy during the pandemic for PA. However, 33.8% of the respondents felt that their level of participation in PA during the pandemic was sufficient. On the other hand, 6.7%, 5.6, and 5.5% respectively, indicated that they were afraid of getting the COVID-19 virus so they chose not to participate, working from home was too stressful, and they were too engaged with their devices to participate in PA. Additionally, 4.1% indicated that they did not have any area at home to participate in PA. The other 8.3% of the respondents selected reasons that had very low percentages.

The perceived mental impact of the pandemic: Majority of the participants (83.6%) indicated that the pandemic had some form of mental impact on them, while the other 16.4% of the participants indicated that there were no perceived impact from the pandemic. Specifically, 27.7% of the participants indicated that the pandemic was very stressful for them, while another 17.8% of the respondents indicated that the pandemic caused them to feel depressed. Additionally, 12.5% of the respondents indicated that the pandemic caused them to develop mood swings (moody). Also, 9.4% of the participants indicated that the pandemic caused sleep deprivation and changes in their sleeping patterns. The other 16.2% of the respondents that indicated perceived mental effects during the pandemic selected other areas that had very low percentages.

3.3. The Relationship between Age and the Perceived Mental Impact of the Pandemic

Table 2. The relationship between age and the mental impact of the pandemic

A Pearson Chi-Square test was used to determine the significance of the relationship between age and the perceived mental impact of the pandemic as indicated in Table 2. The p-value of the test is printed as 0.000, p<0.005. As a result, the researcher has accepted the alternative hypothesis that there is a significant relationship between the age of the participants and the perceived mental impact of the pandemic. The results indicated that the 32-51 age group has accounted for the largest individual amount of weight gained and the highest percentage weight gained. The 32-51 age group also has the highest percentage of people feeling stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 17-26 age group has the highest percentage of people experiencing depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. The relationship between age and the perceived mental impact of the pandemic is significant. The older people in the population seemed to be suffering from feelings of stress, while the younger people in the population are expressing feelings of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic.

3.4. What Impact did the Pandemic have on Eating Habits and Weight Gained in Jamaica?

The participants were asked about their eating habits during the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of the government restrictions (home isolation, curfews and lockdowns), 518 (62%) of the respondents indicated that their consumption levels have increased and the types of food they are now eating. However, 265 (31.7%) of the participants indicated that their eating habits and the types of food they are consuming did not change. Another 53 (6.3%) of the respondents were undecided, which meant they were not sure, or they did not know.

Table 3. Shows a Pearson Correlation Test on weight gain and eating habits

A Pearson Correlation test was conducted to determine if there was a significant correlation between participants that indicated that they gained weight during the pandemic and the changes in eating habits and the types of food eaten. The test indicated (Table 3) that there was a strong correlation between the changes in eating habits and weight gained, the p-value of the test is printed as r=0.277, p=0.000. The result indicated sig. 0.000, p<0.005, as a result, the null hypnosis has been rejected, and the alternative accepted that there is a significant correlation between eating habits and weight gained. The participants were asked to indicate whether they gained weight during the COVID-19 pandemic, 669 (80%) of the participants indicated that they gained weight during the pandemic.

Additionally, 167 (20%) of the participants indicated that they did not gain any weight during the pandemic. As it relates to the amount of weight gained, 192 (23.4%) of the participants indicated that they gained between 1-5 pounds of weight during the pandemic. Another 183 (21.9%) of the participants indicated that they gained between 6-10 pounds of weight, while 91 (10.9%) of the participants indicated that they gained between 11-15 pounds of weight during the pandemic. Additionally, 78 (9.3%) of the participants indicated they gained less than 1 pound of weight, while another 68 (8.1%) of the participants indicated that they gained 16-25 pounds of weight during the pandemic. The other 26.4% of the responses accounted for larger amounts of weight gained for a smaller percentage of the sample size, or they indicated they did not gain any weight.

3.5. The Relationship between Age and Weight Gained during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Table 4. Relationship between age and weight gained

A Pearson Chi-Square test was used to exam the relationship between age and weight gained during the pandemic, as indicated in Table 4. The p-value of the test is printed as 0.004, p<0.005; as a result, the researcher has accepted the alternative hypothesis that there is a slight relationship between the age of the participants and the amount of weight gained during the pandemic. The symmetric measures of Phi and Cramer’s V also indicated a moderate relationship between age and weight gained during the pandemic. The lambda measure indicated that there was a slight relationship between age and weight gained. The researcher has concluded that (a=202.890, p 0.004) there is a slight relationship between age and the weight gained during the pandemic.

Additionally, the results show that participants ages 32-41 years accounted for the majority (21.5%) of the weight gained. At the same time, participants ages 22-26 years accounted for 19% of the weight gained during the pandemic. Furthermore, participants ages 42-51 years represented 15.5% of the weight gained during the pandemic. Also, participants ages 17-21 years represented 15.1% of the weight gained. On the other hand, 50% of the 32-41 age group participants gained between 16-25 pounds of weight. Also, the 42-51 age group accounted for 40% of the 36-45 pounds of weight gained during the pandemic. The results have indicated that older people within the society accounted for more weight gain in larger amounts. While younger adults and children showed marginal increases in weight in smaller amounts.

4. Discussion

4.1. What Impact did the COVID-19 Pandemic have on Physical Activity and Mental Health in Jamaica?

The results of this study indicated that participation in PA during the COVID-19 pandemic was at 73.3%. Also, the responses indicated that before the pandemic, participation was at 80%. Sasaki et al. [11] corroborated this result through a published article that indicated persons who participated more in PA before the pandemic reported lower PA participation because of societal constraints, underscoring the significance of preserving or enhancing one's physical health. Health and well-being are influenced by socioeconomic position, contributing to significant inequalities in public health-related problems worldwide.

Based on responses from the participants in this study regarding their participation during both periods (before and during the pandemic), there was a decline of 6.7%. Additionally, Qi et al. [12] research found that house confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in decreased outside physical activity and an increase in inactive time. However, 48% of the respondents in this study indicated that the length (duration) of their participation in PA during the pandemic was well below 60 minutes. Additionally, only 24.8% of the respondents indicated that the length of their participation in PA during the pandemic was more than 60 minutes. Furthermore, 87.2% of the participants were participating in less than 150 minutes of PA per week. However, according to WHO [1], adults should engage in at least 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or 75–150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic PA throughout the week, or an equal mixture of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity on two or more days each week, conduct muscle-strengthening activities that include all major muscle groups at a moderate or higher intensity. WHO [1] further explained that over the course of the week, children ages 5 to 17 should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity, largely aerobic, physical exercise. At least three days a week, children should engage in vigorous-intensity aerobic exercises as well as those that strengthen muscle and bone.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the frequency, intensity, and type of activities that the participants participated in before the pandemic. Despite a small percentage decline in the level of PA as indicated by the results, majority (96.1%) of the participants were not participating in the required level of PA needed to provide health benefits. Furthermore, the type of physical activity that majority of the respondents were engaged in (very low intensity and duration) does not provide the body with enough moderate to vigorous movements that will provide sufficient health benefits. Wilke et al. [6] research has corroborated this result in their published article that indicated a decrease, lower intensity, and duration of PA from 80.9% to 62.5% compared to pre-pandemic conformity with the WHO guidelines on PA.

On the other hand, the results indicated that the reasons for the lack of or limited participation in PA during the pandemic included a lack of motivation to participate in PA, participants were too busy during the pandemic for PA, some participants believed that their level of PA was already sufficient, participants were afraid of getting the COVID-19 virus, working from home was too stressful, some participants indicated that they were too engaged with their devices and there was no space at home for PA. This result is congruent with a study published by Farah et al. [13], indicating that there are barriers that contributed to the lack of or decreased levels of PA during the COVID-19 pandemic including the lack of motivation, fear of the virus, restrictions, and the limited availability of appropriate space, facility, and equipment.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic seemed to have a perceived impact on the mental stability of majority of the participants (83.6%) regardless of their participation in PA. The results indicated that the major perceived mental impacts of the pandemic on the respondents were feelings of stress, depression, mood swings, sleep deprivation, and changes in sleeping patterns. Research conducted by Park et al. [14] has corroborated this result, in their research, they found COVID-19 to have a detrimental influence on health and active lifestyles, mental well-being, and quality of life. Additionally, the results of this research indicated that the 32-51 age group participated in PA activities more frequently and at lower intensities in activities such as walking, for 30-45 minutes on average.

The results of this study also indicated that majority of the respondents ages 32-51 (higher weight gain) showed more perceived levels of stress during the pandemic, while participants ages 17-26 (lower weight gain) showed more feelings of depression. This result was congruent with an article published by Pellegrini [15] that argued, stress is regularly linked to increased body weight and obesity, implying that overweight (obese) people may be significantly impacted during the pandemic. Obesity, however, tends to aggravate COVID-19 outcomes, with extra weight increasing the likelihood of people being hospitalized, spending more time in hospitals, and the requirement for respiratory assistance. Park et al. [14] further explained that during the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health and the quality of life for some people worsened based on different lifestyles. Ruissen et al. [16] research also corroborated the results of this study through their research that found an increased mental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to include stress and anxiety, which were affecting participants in their study.

4.2. What Impact did the Pandemic have on Eating Habits and Weight Gained in Jamaica?

Majority of the participants (62.7%) indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions enforced by the government, which included home isolation, curfews, and lockdowns have impacted their eating habits and the types of food eaten. The restrictions, according to the participants, have increased their weight gain; 80% of the participants indicated that they gained weight during the COVID-19 pandemic. This result was congruent with a study published by Ruissen et al. [16] that found physical impacts (weight gain) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ruissen et al. [16] further explained that 40.9% of their participants had gained weight, and 45.7% had exercised less than before the pandemic. The Pearson Correlation analysis done in this study showed a significant relationship between participants that indicated that they gained weight and the participants that indicated changes in eating habits and the types of food eaten. Radwan et al. [17] found that heightened food consumption was the most frequent harmful change in behavior among subjects (32%). The restriction to one's house and disruption of one's work schedule may result in erratic eating habits and repeated snack breaks, which are all linked to greater food intake and, as a result, a more negative caloric balance.

Furthermore, majority of the weight gained in this study was in the amount of 1-5 pounds (23.4%), 6-10 pounds (21.9%), 11-15 pounds (10.9%), and 16-25 pounds (8.1%). Additionally, majority of the percentage weight gained in this study was seen in mature adults 32-51 years, accounting for 36.6%. The 32-51 age group also gained the largest pounds of weight, which was between 16-45 pounds. Krams et al. [18] research has corroborated this result, indicating that during lockdowns, people gain weight by eating more food than they can burn due to lack of PA. Furthermore, when they eat energy-dense foods saturated with fat and carbs and low in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, they are more prone to greater weight gain.

5. Conclusion

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on PA participation, weight gain, and the mental health perception in Jamaica. The pandemic significantly impacted the frequency, intensity, and types of PA participation for many Jamaicans. The eating habits and the types of food eaten were also impacted because of the COVID-19 restrictions (curfew, home isolations, and lockdowns). Home confinement has increased the food consumption of many Jamaicans, which has resulted in weight gain. Mature adults were the most affected in terms of weight gained, they accounted for the highest percentage and the largest amount of weight gained. Mature adults participated more in PA at lower intensities in activities such as walking for short durations that are not following WHO’s guidelines. The PA levels during the pandemic were at 73.3% in relation to 80% before the pandemic, as indicated by the participants' responses. However, 87.2% of the participants participated in less than 150 minutes of PA per week. Also, 96.1% of the participants (participated in low-intensity and short-duration activities) that were engaging in PA were doing so below the recommended PA guidelines set out by the WHO as the very minimum to provide health benefits to people.

The result of the study also indicated that the COVID-19 restrictions played a role in the level of participation in PA. However, many of the participants indicated that lack of motivation limited or prevented PA participation, while some participants were too busy during the pandemic for PA, others were worried about contracting the COVID-19 virus, some blamed working from home as too stressful which prevented or limited their participation, several participants admitted to being too engaged in their electronic gadgets, and some people indicated that their participation was already sufficient. In concluding, the perceived mental impact of the pandemic was felt more by adults who indicated that they had feelings of stress while children and younger adults indicated that they had feelings of depression during the pandemic.

References

[1]   | WHO (2020). Physical activity. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity.
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