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

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.