Promoting Physical Activity Among University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Protocol for a Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Student Health

Background:

• COVID-19 pandemic and e-learning altered student lifestyles, negatively impacting mental health.
• Increased anxiety, depression, sedentary behavior, and poor diet observed in students.
• Need for innovative interventions to promote healthy lifestyles among university students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a co-designed intervention program on student lifestyle and psychological state.
• To promote healthy habits and improve mental well-being in a university student population.

Main Methods:

• Recruited university students, randomly assigned to intervention or control groups.
• Intervention group participated in an 8-week physical activity program with co-designed workshops.
• Measured physical activity, sedentary time, anthropometrics, sleep, physical condition, and psychological variables at baseline and 9 weeks.

Main Results:

• 110 participants were initially included in the study.
• Results reporting is projected for Spring 2022.

Conclusions:

• The co-constructed intervention is anticipated to foster healthier lifestyles and psychological health in students.
• Mobilized co-construction is a promising strategy to reduce unhealthy habits and increase physical activity and motivation.
• Developing tailored interventions for students is crucial and potentially transferable to other populations.