Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity Level and Lifestyle Changes among Undergraduates of Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka: A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdown could prevent students from achieving the recommended levels of physical activity due to home confinement and it also could lead to changes in lifestyle related behaviour. University students are already known as a risk group for physical inactivity. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify physical activity levels and lifestyle changes during COVID-19 pandemic among undergraduate medical and physiotherapy students of University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Methods: A web-based survey was used, which consisted of questions from short form of International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ - SF) and lifestyle related behaviour questionnaire. Results: A total of 349 participants (age= 22.59±1.96, n =141; 40.4 % males and n=208; 59.6 % females) completed the questionnaire. According to the IPAQ categorical score 49.9% were physically inactive and the mean weekly total metabolic equivalent (MET) minutes of the population was 1018.20±1271.13. A significant increase in sitting and screen time during the COVID-19 pandemic were found in 68.5 % of participants. The mean sitting time and screen time were 7.50±5.21 and 7.09±3.43 hours per day. A slight increase in stress and anxiety levels and sleeping hours were reported by 32.4 % and 41.5% of participants respectively while 31.5 % reported a slight decrease in consumption of junk food. Conclusion: An overall increase in physical inactivity such as reduced exercises, increased sitting and screen time were observed among study participants. Promotional educational strategies should include the development and implementation of interventions that promote active lifestyle behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Keywords: Physical activity, COVID-19, lockdown, lifestyle, Sri Lanka, undergraduates.