Alhurishi, S. (2023). The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Smartphone Usage Among University Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Journal of High Institute of Public Health, 53(3), 90-95. doi: 10.21608/jhiph.2024.337921
Sultana A. Alhurishi. "The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Smartphone Usage Among University Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia". Journal of High Institute of Public Health, 53, 3, 2023, 90-95. doi: 10.21608/jhiph.2024.337921
Alhurishi, S. (2023). 'The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Smartphone Usage Among University Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia', Journal of High Institute of Public Health, 53(3), pp. 90-95. doi: 10.21608/jhiph.2024.337921
Alhurishi, S. The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Smartphone Usage Among University Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Journal of High Institute of Public Health, 2023; 53(3): 90-95. doi: 10.21608/jhiph.2024.337921
The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Smartphone Usage Among University Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Abstract
Background: Physical activity is a very positive behavior that has many health benefits, so understanding current physical activity levels in specific populations is important for health policy planning. Objective(s): to estimate physical activity patterns and to investigate the relationship between physical activity performance and using smartphone health applications among university students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study estimated physical activity patterns among King Saud University students. An online survey was distributed to all students attending King Saud University. The survey included questions on socio-demographic characteristics and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Results: A total of 427 students were enrolled in the study. More than half of the students were low in physical activity (56.2%) followed by moderate and high levels (30.7 %, and 13.1% respectively). More than half of them used their smartphones five hours or more per day (53.6%), and the majority (65.1%) used applications to monitor physical activity. Bivariable analysis revealed a significant association between physical activity and using applications to monitor health and using applications or wearable devices to monitor physical activity. Additionally, a significant association between physical inactivity and hours of using a smartphone per day was detected. Conclusion: Low physical activity was prevalent among students at King Saud University. Targeted interventions are needed to enhance physical activity and prevent sedentary behaviors to prevent long-term adverse health consequences.