Differences in risk of generalized anxiety disorder according to physical activity type in Korea adolescents: The Korea youth risk behavior web-based survey, 2020–2021

Objective This study aimed to analyze the association between the types of physical activity (PA) and the level of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in Korean adolescents. Methods This study analyzed data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS) for, 2020–2021. The dependent variable was the level of generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7). The GAD-7 scores were divided into four levels: normal, mild, moderate, and severe. The independent variables were moderate PA, vigorous PA, and strength exercises. Sex, school grade, body mass index, stress, depression, suicidal thoughts, violent victimization, drinking, smoking, substance abuse, sleep satisfaction, and sedentary time were selected as confounding variables. Results The independent variable and all confounding variables showed significant differences with the level of GAD-7 (all p