Gender differences in the impact on physical activity and lifestyle in Italy during the lockdown, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Italy responded to the Covid-19 pandemic early by forcing the entire population into a 2-month domestic confinement. The aim of this study was to assess gender differences in the impact of lockdown on physical activity and lifestyle habits.


METHODS AND RESULTS
A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted in April 2020 on a general population sample residing in Italy. Participants completed validated questionnaires. Gender differences were assessed using a multivariable adjusted logistic regression model using gender as independent and exposures as dependent variables. Metabolic equivalents-hour/week was used to evaluate physical activity. A total of 2218 participants (761 men and 1457 women) agreed to participate in the study and completed the questionnaire. The survey found that women compared to men showed 1) a lower level of physical activity before the institution of lockdown, 2) a lower tendency to reduce physical activity levels during the lockdown, when gender differences in compliance with guideline recommendations for physical activity disappeared, 3) and a worsening of sleep and stool passage; men experienced an increase in alcohol consumption.


CONCLUSIONS
Women, who previously had a lower level of physical activity than men, showed a lower tendency to reduce it during lockdown, revealing greater resilience than men. However, the worsening in sleep, in stool passage, and a trend to weight increase revealed signs of psychological suffering after a protracted lockdown period.
['Orlandi|Melissa|M|', 'Rosselli|Martina|M|', 'Pellegrino|Alessio|A|', 'Boddi|Maria|M|', 'Stefani|Laura|L|', 'Toncelli|Loira|L|', 'Modesti|Pietro Amedeo|PA|']
D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D000086382:COVID-19 D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies D003672:Defecation D015444:Exercise D005260:Female D006184:Habits D006304:Health Status D000070497:Healthy Lifestyle D006801:Humans D007558:Italy D008297:Male D008603:Mental Health D008875:Middle Aged D000085762:Physical Distancing D012737:Sex Factors D012890:Sleep D013997:Time Factors D015430:Weight Gain D055815:Young Adult
Physical activity COVID-19 Cross-sectional study Daily living habits Prevention strategies SARS-CoV-2