COVID transmission-related concerns impact on physical activity behavior: data from the iCare study.

• DOI: 10.12820/rbafs.30e0382
• Publication Date: 2025-05-16T17:02:15Z
• Authors: Eduardo Lucia Caputo; Paula Aver Bretan...; Kim L. Lavoie; Felipe Fossati Re...
• Keywords: 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak; Pandemic

Objective: We explored the relationship between COVID-19 transmission-related concerns and reduced physical activity during COVID (RPAC). Methods: analyzed data from 2,543 participants across Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Canada, USA with at least 200 per country. The two primary assessed were: a) fear of being infected, 2) concern about personal health if infected. Participants were asked to report changes in their (PA) behavior since pandemic started. Results: sample was predominantly female (75.7%), 66.9% aged 30-64 years. prevalence who reported RPAC remained stable South American countries but increased Canada (+7.8 percentage points [p.p.]; p = 0.001) decreased (-9.7 pp; 0.003). Concerns significantly associated America (PR 1.47; 95% CI: 1.09; 1.97), while no association found North America. Notably, Colombia 1.90; 3.31), 1.48; 1.01; 2.17) more likely due concerns. Conclusion: While PA first 15 months pandemic, 19-related stayed high. In contrast less RPAC, as decreased, suggesting a shift COVID-19-related lessened.