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Aim: The purpose of this study was to analyze the level of Internet addiction and physical activity, as well as the relationship between internet addiction and physical activity, among Polish and Portuguese students in the final year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A web-based online survey was conducted among students in Poland and Portugal (398 respondents) aged between 17 and 26 in October 2022. The level of internet addiction was assessed by the Kimberly Young questionnaire in Polish and in Portuguese. The level of physical activity was measured by the international physical activity questionnaire in Polish and in Portuguese. Results: In the study population, the majority of the respondents were mildly addicted to the internet. The average level of addiction was reported by 9.3–23.5% of the respondents. The average level of internet addiction was higher among Portuguese students and among men. Those who had suffered from COVID-19 (especially more than once) and were more physically active showed a higher tendency towards internet addiction. Conclusions: Internet addiction is a problem that has to be monitored and given more attention, particularly among male students. The results presented provide the first statistical insight into the problem of internet addiction among students in both countries and form the basis for further studies. They also highlight the severity of the problem and point to the need for early preventive and protective interventions against problematic internet use. It appears that effective strategies should include promoting the benefits of physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of the study was to make a preliminary assessment of depression rates and levels of physical activity and the association between physical activity and depression among Polish and Portuguese students in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A web-based online survey was conducted among students in Poland and Portugal (398 respondents—229 from Poland and 169 from Portugal) aged between 17 and 26 in October 2022. The level of depression was assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) in Polish and in Portuguese. The level of physical activity was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) in Polish and in Portuguese. Results: Overall, 20–35% of respondents suffered from moderate depression, with a lower proportion among men. There were no differences in the percentage distribution of depression classification between Polish and Portuguese students. A decrease in the severity of depression was observed with increasing physical activity. In both countries, walking more often had the strongest effect on reducing depression scores. Conclusions: The continued and alarming prevalence of depressive disorders among university students in the year after the pandemic began had a significant impact on this population—further research on the impact of physical activity on mental health in different populations should be conducted to adjust the optimal level of physical activity for alleviating negative psychiatric symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the level of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. Methods: The online survey was conducted among Polish adult citizens (204 respondents) with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result. The level of depression was assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory in Polish. Results: Depressive symptoms of moderate or severe degree appeared in about every fourth person. Women were characterised with higher mean depression scores. In the group of men, significant correlations were found between mental condition and age—the higher the age, the higher the values of depression measures. Those who were asymptomatic with SARS-CoV-2 had the best results—a lack of depression, while those who were fully symptomatic had the worst results—major depressive disorder. Conclusions: There is a need for further research and monitoring of mental health in specific population groups. It is necessary to plan preventive measures to prevent the negative effects of the pandemic, especially in women. Specialist support should be implemented during and after the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]