Comparison of emotional status and quality of life in women with different physical activity levels during COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose: It was aimed to compare the effects of the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic process on physically active and inactive women under general quarantine conditions. And second aim was to compare physical activity and general well-being in women who were employees and non-employees in a non-governmental organization. Methods: A total of 286 women were included in this study. The research was conducted online via the Google Forms web survey platform. The demographic information of the participants and non-governmental organization volunteering were asked before the questionnaires. Individuals' levels of physical activity were assessed by International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short form (IPAQ), stress level was assessed The Distress Thermometer index, anxiety levels were assessed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), quality of life was evaluated with the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref questionnaire (WHOQOL-Bref). Results: It was found that physically inactive women had significantly higher anxiety and stress levels and lower quality of life (p<0.05). And women who were employees in a non-governmental organization had significantly higher physically activity level and lower anxiety and stress levels and better quality of life (p<0.05). Conclusion: Physical activity has an intensely positive effect on anxiety, stress, and quality of life during COVID-19 pandemic under general quarantine conditions.