Self-Reported Outdoor Activities and Perceived Stress During the First COVID-19 Wave: A Cross-Sectional Study in Poland and Italy

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic and the accompanying containment measures substantially altered everyday life and created conditions that could intensify psychological distress. Physical activity is widely recognized as a factor supporting mental well-being, yet less is known about whether specific forms of outdoor activity were associated with perceived stress during the first pandemic wave. This study aimed to assess the relationship between selected forms of outdoor physical activity and perceived stress during the COVID-19 pandemic among residents of Poland and Italy. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analysis was based on data collected within a previously published multinational survey conducted during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study included respondents from Poland and Italy and examined PSS scores in relation to three broad self-reported agreement items concerning walking in public places, walking in the neighborhood, and outdoor sports such as running or cycling. Responses were analyzed in their original categories and were additionally dichotomized as agreement versus disagreement. Non-parametric tests were used for unadjusted comparisons, and multivariable logistic regression adjusted for country and sociodemographic and health-related factors. Results: In unadjusted analyses, respondents who agreed that they walked in public places or engaged in outdoor sports had lower mean PSS scores than those who disagreed (20.40 vs. 21.61 and 20.59 vs. 21.70, respectively; both p < 0.001). Respondents who agreed that they walked in their neighborhood had a slightly higher mean PSS score than those who disagreed (21.76 vs. 21.26; p = 0.018). After correction of the dichotomized activity variables, none of the three outdoor activity measures were independently associated with high perceived stress in the adjusted model. Conclusions: Self-reported walking in public places and outdoor sports were associated with lower PSS scores in unadjusted comparisons, whereas neighborhood walking showed a small association in the opposite direction. None of the three broad activity measures were independently associated with high perceived stress after adjustment. Because the study was cross-sectional and outdoor activity was assessed using simple agreement statements rather than frequency, duration, or intensity measures, these findings should be interpreted cautiously and do not support causal conclusions.