Relationship between lifestyle changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic and depression: Nationwide population-based research using Community Health Survey data in South Korea

AIMS: This study evaluated the association between depression and lifestyle changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluated this association in patients with chronic diseases. METHODS: Data were obtained from the 2020 Community Health Survey in South Korea. This study included 212,806 participants and perceived changes in life patterns (sleep, food, and exercise) after the COVID-19 outbreak were measured. People with hypertension or diabetes were categorized as patients with chronic diseases and depression was defined as a score of ≥10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. RESULTS: Compared with before the COVID-19 pandemic, increased or decreased sleep, the consumption of instant food, and decreased physical activity were associated with increased depression. Compared with the general population, patients with chronic diseases showed increased depression, with or without medication. Additionally, among patients with chronic diseases not taking medication, increased physical activity was associated with reduced depression, whereas reduced physical activity was associated with increased depression in both younger and older groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that unhealthy lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with increased depression. Maintaining a certain lifestyle is important for mental health. Chronic disease patients need appropriate disease management, including physical activity.