How are the physical activity and anxiety levels of the university students affected during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic?

Abstract

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic has influenced all people's lives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of physical activity and anxiety of university students during the pandemic, and then determine some associated factors with anxiety of these young adults. Material and methods: A web-based questionnaire was sent to the participants. International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used to collect data about the levels of their physical activity and anxiety. Results: 247 participants (females = 151, males = 96) of the Faculty of Health Sciences whose mean ages were 21.46 +/- 2.1 years old completed the study questions in 24 hours. The participants performed light physical activity according to the IPAQ-SF and had mild anxiety according to the BAI. Their gender, smoking status, and opinions on online education were found to be effective on the anxiety level (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This paper indicated some important factors for the young adults who tried to continue their education in a very different way for a few weeks. Since this is not online education like past, both health professionals and university managements should consider the harms and risks of this new educational style on physical and psychological health of students before the upcoming semesters.