Examination of Physical Activity Status, Exercise Barriers, Sleep and Quality of Life of Youth During the Pandemic Period

Authors : Damla Ünal Zilcioglu, Arzu Güçlü Gündüz

Pages : 845-858

Doi:10.21020/husbfd.1166040

View : 58 | Download : 76

Publication Date : 2024-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objectives: The study was planned to examine the physical activity levels, exercise barriers, sleep, and life quality of young people receiving distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic period. It also aims to determine the correlation between physical activity levels and these factors. Methods: Physical activity level was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF); exercise barriers were evaluated with the Barrier Scale of the Benefits/Barriers Scale of Exercise (EBBS); sleep quality was assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); and quality of life was analyzed with the Short Form Health Questionnaire 36 (SF-36). Variables were analyzed with the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Results: Three hundred and thirty-nine students aged between 18-24 years and studying in health sciences were included in the study. 25.7% of individuals were inactive; the biggest exercise barriers were environmental factors. The PSQI score was found to be 6 (4-8), 70.8% had poor sleep quality, and the emotional role difficulty domain in quality of life had the lowest score, 33.3 (0-100). Physical activity level was correlated with the total exercise-barrier score, sleep duration, and physical function (p<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of the study, it is necessary to take measures to improve the physical activity level, sleep, and quality of life of university students as they may have sustained problems. It is also important to be ready for increasing healthy life in possible shutdown or immobilization period.
Keywords : Egzersiz, Pandemik, COVID-19