Factors associated with low quality of life in Chilean adults during the COVID-19 quarantine

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The quarantine and social distancing implemented during COVID 19 pandemic may hamper the quality of life of the population. AIM: To determine the factors associated with a low quality of life during COVID 19 quarantine in Chilean adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The SF-36 survey about quality of life was answered by 1,082 Chilean adults aged between 18 and 60 years, who were quarantined by the COVID-19 health alert. Other variables studied were sociodemographic background, nutritional status, lifestyles, level of physical activity, sedentary behavior and sleep hours. Risk factors associated with low quality of life were identified by logistic regression analysis for each of the 8 dimensions evaluated in the SF-36 questionnaire. RESULTS: The factors that increased the probability of having a lower general health perception were being female (Odds ratio (OR) = 1.29; p = 0.05), being physically inactive (OR = 2.76 p < 0.01), unhealthy hours of sleep (OR = 1.58, p < 0.01), smoking (OR = 1.59, p < 0.01) and eating junk food (OR = 2.26; p < 0.01). For the other dimensions of quality of life, the most frequently repeated factors were being female, junk food consumption, and being physically inactive and sedentary. CONCLUSIONS: There are factors associated with a low quality of life during the quarantine of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Chilean population. Their identification could reinforce remedial actions at the government level to benefit the health of the population during this health emergency.