The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sedentary life in young adults: a cross-sectional study

AYHAN BAŞER D., Akdeniz S. E., ONUR G., KARADAĞ K., FİDANCI İ., AKSOY H., ...More

International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2258817
  • Journal Name: International Journal of Environmental Health Research
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, CINAHL, Educational research abstracts (ERA), EMBASE, Environment Index, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Geobase, MEDLINE, Pollution Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database
  • Keywords: BMI, COVID-19 pandemic, physical activity, sedentary life, young adult
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In this study, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity and sedentary lifestyle of young adults were evaluated. The cross-sectional study was conducted on individuals aged 18–35 years between December 2021 and March 2022. In the study, sedentary life was evaluated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), screening time and the Brief Eating Behaviors Questionnaire. 397 people participated in the study and the mean age was 24.41 ± 4.18. Body Mass Index (BMI), time spent in front of the screen, need for psychosocial support, and Short Diet Behaviors Questionnaire (SDBQ) scores showed a significant increase during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period (respectively; p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001). It has been observed that there is an increase in the time spent in front of the screen, worsening in eating behaviors, decrease in physical activity, and an increase in BMI values of young adults during pandemic.