Investigating Psychic and Body Complications Caused by Inactivity Among Students of University During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The level of mobility and general health has decreased among students in virtual classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study aims to investigate the mental and physical complications caused by inactivity among the students of Farhangian University during virtual classes. 

This was survey research with a cross-sectional design. The statistical population included all male and female students studying at Farhangian University of Mazandaran Province, Iran. According to the determination of the sample size based on the Morgan table, 475 students, consisting of 214 females and 261 males, were randomly selected as the statistical sample of the study. The research instruments include the international physical activity questionnaire, Saehan Caliper (SH5020), the Coopersmith self-esteem scale (1967), the Beck depression questionnaire, and the Nordic skeletal and muscular disorders questionnaire. To analyze the data, we used the independent sample t test to compare the two groups. All analyses were conducted using the SPSS software, version 24.

The research findings showed that the average weekly activity level among women was 634±281 MET/min, and the average weekly activity level among men was 472 ±231 MET/min. In terms of fat percentage by gender, men’s average fat percentage was 21.47%±4.74%, and women’s average fat percentage was 31.55%±4.37%. Meanwhile, the self-esteem scores of male and female students were obtained at 29.72 and 29.43, respectively. The difference between the two was considered significant as P<0.05. In addition to these findings, the correlation between self-esteem and activity level was +0.41. On the other hand, 25(67%) female students and 12(32%) male students suffered from high depression. 

Concerning students’ skeletal-muscular disorders, findings proved that both genders suffered from physical complications during virtual classes. This study suggests increasing the level of physical activity to reduce body fat mass, increase mental health, and reduce skeletal disorders, which can be properly accomplished through university planning and prioritizing the health of male and female students.