Physical Activity Levels and Associated Factors for Health Complaints among Female University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia: A University-based Cross-Sectional Survey

Abstract

Objective: This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of health complaints and physical activity levels among female university students; including determining the risk factors of health complaints during the pandemic. Material and Methods: Data were collected from 205 female university students, aged 18-29 years old via self-administered online questionnaires during a nationwide movement-restricted order. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and a modified health symptoms questionnaire were used to assess physical activity levels and health complaints. Results: The most prevalent daily health complaint was sleeping difficulties (8.3%). The total minutes of sedentary behaviour were positively associated with health complaints (r=0.131, p-value=0.031), while the total minutes of moderate recreation were negatively associated with health complaints (r=-0.166, p-value=0.009). Marital status (standardised beta coefficient, β=-0.167, p-value=0.030) and employment (β=-0.180, p-value=0.017) were risks of health complaints. Conclusion: Sedentariness; including sociodemographic factors during the pandemic was associated with health complaints. Appropriate counselling, finance and social supports and physical activity programmes are recommended at universities to prevent future health risks.

Keywords

• covid-19
• female university students
• gpaq
• subjective health complaints
• well-being