Level of Physical Activity During Fifth Wave of Covid-19 Among Students of Sarhad University, Peshawar: A Cross Sectional Survey

Abstract

Background: Regular physical activity plays a vital role in maintaining the overall health of a person, where a lack of activity leads to various health problems. The emergence of COVID-19 as a global pandemic was a major factor contributing to reduced physical activity worldwide. These variations in the level of physical activity are obvious due to the induced lockdown, closures of public places, parks, and sports centres. Objective: To measure the level of physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic among students of Sarhad University, Peshawar. Methodology: The study duration was six months following approval from the Research Committee of SIAHS, Sarhad University. A total of 314 students from Sarhad University, Peshawar, participated in this study using a non-probability convenient sampling technique.  Data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, a reliable tool for measuring physical activity levels. A census sampling method was used to include as many students as possible from different departments. Registered male and female Allied Health Sciences students were included, while students from other departments, those unwilling to participate, or those unable to engage in physical activity due to health conditions or physical disabilities were excluded. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 26, with descriptive statistics used to categorise participants based on their reported physical activity levels. Results: The average age of participants was 21.65±1.65. The data showed that 18.2% of students were not engaged in any physical activity. Additionally, 15.3% reported low activity, 17.2% reported moderate activity, and 17.5% reported vigorous activity. These findings indicate that a considerable number of students experienced a decline in physical activity during the pandemic. Conclusion: The study concluded that a majority of students at Sarhad University were either inactive or engaged in low levels of physical activity during the COVID-19 lockdown period. This decrease in physical activity is likely due to home confinement, closure of exercise facilities, and restrictions on movement. The findings highlight the need for health promotion strategies to encourage physical activity, even during the pandemic.