Self-reported changes in physical activity levels and sitting time among predominately Hispanic/Latino university students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

Objective: To examine changes in physical activity (PA) and sitting time (ST) for a group of predominately Hispanic/Latino university students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was administered to students at a California state university during April-May 2021. Our analysis compared PA and ST levels before and during the pandemic (paired t-tests); assessed changes in PA (MET) and ST minutes per week, both before and during the pandemic, by student characteristics (one-way ANOVA); and examined predictors of these changes (multivariable linear regression analyses).

Results: Differences in PA and ST levels were observed (p < 0.001). Changes in PA and ST minutes per week differed by students' sleep quality and their financial household subsidy status (p < 0.001). Being married was associated with increased PA minutes, being divorced/separated with lower ST minutes per week, and having two dependents with both lower PA (MET) and ST minutes per week.

Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacted university students' PA and ST levels, with notable variation by demographic, psychosocial, and economic characteristics. Future research and interventions in student health should consider these findings and tailor appropriate strategies to address these two issues in this underrepresented population.