Occupational Balance and Depressive Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic A Four-Wave Panel Study on the Role of Daily Activities in Austria

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship among daily activities (paid work, childcare, caregiving, voluntary work, sports, and social contact), occupational balance, and depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We analyzed data from the Austrian Corona Panel Project (four time points, 6-month period) using regression models with logarithmically transformed data and nonparametric repeated-measures tests (N = 871). Results Results showed higher depressive symptoms among women. Family caregivers (either parents or those caring for other relatives) were at the highest risk for occupational imbalance and depressive symptoms. Sports and social contact were initially associated with better outcomes, but the effects waned. There was a main effect for time point driven by the last wave (amidst the second lockdown), but no significant interaction effects between predictors and time point were found. Conclusion The results provide a nuanced depiction of the relationship between different daily activities and health-related outcomes during the pandemic, highlighting groups at risk.