Depression, anxiety and quality of sleep in athletes in the face of the COVID-19 health contingency

Exploratory study

Abstract

Aim: To identify the symptoms of anxiety, depression and quality of sleep in the face of health contingency in a sample of Mexican athletes, through a descriptive-exploratory cross-sectional study.
Method: The study sample was 110 athletes with a mean age of 24.4 years, who had different levels of experience: amateur, semi-professional and professional. The following instruments were applied: Beck's depression inventory, Hamilton's anxiety scale, and the Pittsburg sleep quality index.
Results: It was shown that professional athletes show lower levels of anxiety and depression, compared to semi-professionals and amateurs. However, their quality of sleep was lower.
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has made evident the need for changes in professional practices and in scientific research in sports psychology that benefit the athlete community, hence the presence of mental health specialists on teams Sports will be a high priority need, which will fulfill the strengthening of psychological preparation and mental health care.