Relationship between Physical Activity Level, Technology Use, and Sedentary Behavior
A Pilot Study in University Students
Abstract
The transition in education from high school to university is a critical stage where young people's lifestyle habits are re-established. This process usually involves a decrease in physical activity and a high rate of sedentary behaviors, especially in the use of digital screens, whether cell phones, televisions or computers. Objective: To analyze the relationship between occupational physical activity, sedentary behavior and screen time in young people in transition from high school to university. Method: Cross-sectional, quantitative and correlational study, conducted on 30 young Santandereanos aged between 17-27 years belonging to a school in transition to first university entrance. The IPAQ (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) was used to evaluate physical activity, the SBQ (Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire) for sedentary behavior, and the registration of mobile applications for screen time. Results: We found an inverse correlation between physical activity and sedentary behavior (r = -0.42; p = 0.02), a strong positive correlation between sedentary behavior and screen time (r = 0.61; p = 0.001) and a negative correlation between physical activity and screen time (r = -0.38; p = 0.04). Conclusions: Young people exhibit a risky behavioral pattern characterized by low levels of physical activity and high screen time. The need for health promotion interventions and strategies adapted to the Colombian university context is highlighted.
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