Physical Activity, Sitting Time, and Sleep Duration Among University Students in Daytime and Evening Programs: A Cross-Sectional Study

Özet (Abstract)

Objective: Physical activity is a fundamental health behavior associated with physical and psychosocial well-being and should be maintained throughout life. This study aimed to compare physical activity levels, sitting time, and sleep duration between university students enrolled in daytime and evening programs. Methods: A total of 541 students (411 female and 130 male) were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed a questionnaire including sociodemographic information and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Physical activity levels were classified as low, moderate, or high according to the IPAQ-SF. Results: Physical activity level was significantly associated with gender (p<0.001), whereas no significant association was observed with education schedule (p=0.909). Body mass index (p=0.007), daily walking duration (p=0.001), and sleep duration (p=0.007) differed significantly across physical activity groups, while sitting duration did not (p=0.278). Total IPAQ-MET scores were negatively correlated with sleep duration (rₛ=-0.120, p<0.01). When daytime and evening programs were compared, sitting duration did not differ significantly between the groups (p=0.468). However, students enrolled in evening programs reported significantly longer sleep duration than those enrolled in daytime programs (p=0.001). Conclusion: These findings suggest that education schedule may be associated with sleep duration but not with overall physical activity level or sitting time. University-based health-promotion strategies should consider physical activity patterns and healthy sleep behaviors when supporting students’ lifestyles.