Physical activity, loneliness and mental health among young adults from Sweden and Iceland

Sammanfattning: This study aims to research whether there are any differences or associations between Sweden and Iceland regarding physical activity, loneliness, and mental health. The study included 109 participants aged 18-30, with 55 Swedish and 54 Icelandic. Data was collected online using a questionnaire that measured physical activity, loneliness, and mental health with three different scales; Physical activity (Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire), loneliness (Revised UCLA loneliness scale), and mental health (Kessler Psychological Distress scale). The study's result shows only a significant correlation between loneliness and mental distress. The results indicated that Swedish individuals are more physically active than Icelantic, despite Swedish participants reporting higher loneliness and mental distress levels than their Icelandic counterparts. In summary, this study has examined the differences and associations between Sweden and Iceland on how the Swedish and Icelandic individuals estimate themselves in physical activity, loneliness, and mental health.