Work

Levels of physical activity of university students in COVID-19: More challenges for women compared to men?

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Studies have indicated lower levels of physical activity and inadequate health conditions among young university students, which may have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the levels of physical activity based on sociodemographic and health conditions of university students during the pandemic period. This cross-sectional study included 235 students from a public and multi-campus university in the state of Bahia, Brazil, from July to October 2020, when in-person activities were suspended. Levels of physical activity were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short form), and a questionnaire developed by the researchers evaluated sociodemographic and health conditions, both of which were applied via Google Forms®. Most participants (59.1%) showed insufficient levels of physical activity. Only sex differed significantly (p < 0.001), with a higher proportion of women (65.7%) reporting lower levels of physical activity than men (38.6%). Barriers challenges may have limited the incorporation of physical activity among women university during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research is needed to elucidate the findings of this study.

Source: Retos

DOI: 10.47197/retos.v62.109236

Authors: Valdinei De Freitas Rodrigues, Carlos Rafaell Correia-Oliveira, Jorge Lopes Cavalcante Neto

Institution: Universidade do Estado da Bahia

Language: English

Topic: Physical Activity and Health

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Gender equality

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $215