Open Access
Examination of Changes in Sitting Time, Screen Exposure and Physical Activity Behavioral Profile in University Students Participating in Distance Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic
1
Mersin University
2
Mersin University, Faculty of Sports Science
Abstract
It was aimed to examine the changes in sitting time, screen exposure and physical activity behavior profile during the COVID-19 pandemic in university students participating in distance education. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey-based study collected data from voluntary sample of 380 university students (205 girls and 175 boys). Participants selfreported demographic information, physical activity and sitting for a ‘typical’ week before and during lockdown. Sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity level, screen exposure and sitting time Questionnaire were used as data collection tools. While the time spent actively by 49.74% of the students during the Covid-19 pandemic period, the time spent sitting by 86.32% increased (p<0.05). The moderate and vigorous physical activity scores of those whose time spent sitting during the Covid-19 pandemic increased were found to be statistically significantly lower than the other groups (p<0.001). It was determined that women's IPAQ levels and Sitting subscale scores were statistically significantly higher than men (p<0.05). According to IPAQ, Walking, sitting, Screen Exposure and total physical activity significantly increased during lockdown by MET-min/week, respectively (P < 0.001). The proportion of participants engaging in higher amounts of screen time (4–6 h and > 8 h) was higher on weekdays and weekend days during lockdown than before lockdown (P < 0.001) (Figure 1). Consequently, it can be said that with the closure of universities during the COID-19 quarantine period, students who did not leave their homes for a long time began to spend most of their time in a sedentary lifestyle, using tablets, computers and phones at home.
Keywords
COVID-19,Physical Activity,Screen Exposure,Sitting Time,Distance Education
How to Cite
KAYA, A., & DEMİRCİ, N. (2024). Examination of Changes in Sitting Time, Screen Exposure and Physical Activity Behavioral Profile in University Students Participating in Distance Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Active & Healthy Aging, 2(1), 30–37. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.12578956
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