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OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of poor mental health in the general Korean population during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: This cross-sectional, population-based, online survey-based study was conducted from November 5 to 20, 2020 and included adults aged 20-49 years in Chungnam Province, Korea. A total of 549 adults were included. RESULTS: In total, 18.8% of the participants had symptoms of depression, 10.6% had symptoms of anxiety, and 5.1% had a high level of perceived stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Higher levels of stress (odds ratio [OR], 3.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13 to 8.67), anxiety (OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.09 to 4.49), and depression (OR, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.64 to 5.50) were found among never married, widowed, divorced, and separated people than among married/cohabiting/partnered participants. Participants who felt increased stress at home during the COVID-19 outbreak reported more depression (OR, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.49 to 4.05) and anxiety (OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.31 to 4.50). Women had higher risks of anxiety (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.09 to 3.58) and stress (OR, 6.40; 95% CI, 2.30 to 17.85) than men. Participants with the highest household income were less likely to report symptoms of stress than those with the lowest household income (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.96). CONCLUSIONS: The participants in this study exhibited poor mental health index scores, suggesting that some people are at risk for mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being married was independently and significantly associated with a lower likelihood of depression, anxiety, and stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the type and frequency of physical activity that most effectively reduces the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) among adults (≥19 years) in Asia. We used national representative data from 1645 men and 2272 women who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2015 were included in the analysis. The effects of different types and frequencies of physical activity on HOMA2-IR were investigated using a multiple regression analysis. Compared with no activity, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) ≥5 times per week (β: -0.214, p≤0.0198) and walking and MVPA ≥5 times per week (β: -0.183, p≤0.0049) were negatively associated with HOMA2-IR. In the subgroup analysis, the strongest effect was observed among overweight men. Additionally, walking plus MVPA ≥5 times per week had the strongest effect on men with a higher-than-recommended daily calorie intake (β: -0.350, p≤0.0030). Therefore, in conclusion, the appropriate type and frequency of physical activity can help reduce HOMA2-IR in South Korean men, especially those who are overweight and/or have a higher-than-recommended daily calorie intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]