Abstract
The aim of this investigation was to estimate the independent and combined associations of sedentary behaviour (SB) and physical activity (PA) with life satisfaction, happiness and perceived health in university students. In a cross-sectional survey, 12,492 university students (median age 20 years, interquartile range = 3) from 24 countries responded to a questionnaire on SB, PA and well-being indicators. In adjusted linear regression, higher SB (4 to <8 h and ≥8 h) was associated with poorer life satisfaction (β = −0.21, confidence interval (CI): −0.27 to −0.14) and lower happiness (β = −0.31, CI: −0.46 to −0.17), and higher SB (≥8 h) was associated with lower perceived health (β = −0.08, CI: −0.13 to 0.03). In addition, moderate and/or high PA increased the odds for higher life satisfaction (β = 0.10, CI: 0.04 to 0.16), greater happiness (β = 0.27, CI: 0.15 to 0.39) and better perceived health (β = 0.12, CI: 0.08 to 0.15). Programmes that reduce SB and increase PA may promote life satisfaction, happiness and perceived health status in this university student population.
Highlights
In a systematic review, evidence was found for an association between sedentary behaviour (SB), physical inactivity and various forms of morbidity, including depression and anxiety, and mortality [1,2]
Less is known about the relationship between SB and physical activity (PA) with life satisfaction, happiness and perceived health
It would be important to investigate if associations between SB and PA with life satisfaction, happiness and perceived health can be found in a study across culturally different countries and regions in the world
Summary
Evidence was found for an association between sedentary behaviour (SB), physical inactivity and various forms of morbidity, including depression and anxiety, and mortality [1,2]. Less is known about the relationship between SB and physical activity (PA) with life satisfaction, happiness and perceived health. Few studies among different age groups, predominantly in countries with high income, found a negative association between SB and a positive association between PA and life satisfaction, happiness and perceived health. Res. Public Health 2019, 16, 2084 life satisfaction, happiness and perceived health in low- and middle-income countries. It would be important to investigate if associations between SB and PA with life satisfaction, happiness and perceived health can be found in a study across culturally different countries and regions in the world. The aim of this investigation was to estimate the independent and combined associations of SB and PA with life satisfaction, happiness and perceived health in university students in 24 low- and middle-income countries
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