Physical Activity, Screen Time, and Mood Disturbance Among Chinese Adolescents During COVID-19

The purpose of the current study was to explore the physical activity and screen time status among Chinese adolescents during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown and their association with mood disturbance and conflicts with parents. A total of 1,680 7th to 12th grade students enrolled at a large middle-high school located in Southwest China completed an online survey measuring mood states, physical activity, screen time, conflicts with parents, and body height and weight. Physical activity, particularly of at least 150 minutes' duration each week, significantly decreased the likelihood of negative mood among adolescents during lock-down. Screen time, specifically other than that spent on online study, had a negative association with mood, after controlling for the relevant variables (i.e., physical activity and body mass index). Less screen time and accumulating 150 minutes of physical activity were associated with fewer conflicts with parents. With the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, local school districts, school leaders, and health professionals should develop greater awareness of potential problems with, and engage parents in developing specific guidance on controlling, screen time and promoting physical activity in a time-sensitive manner. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 59(4), 14-20.].