Author(s): RÖGNVALDSDÓTTIR, V.1, STEFANSDOTTIR, R.1, GISLADOTTIR, TH.1, JAKOBSDOTTIR, G.1, JOHANNSSON, E.1,2, GESTSDOTTIR, S.1, Institution: UNIVERSITY OF ICELAND, Country: ICELAND, Abstract-ID: 997

INTRODUCTION:
The daily physical activity of university students in Iceland notably decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before, and over 70% reported increased sedentary behavior. Additionally, more than half of the students indicated a decline in their physical and mental health [1, 2]. The aim of the study was to assess physical activity and physical and mental health status among university students following the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS:
In early 2023, a cohort of 151 (23% male) university students in their third year, responded to questionnaire regarding their mental and physical health. The students were asked to assess their current levels of physical activity, participation in sports, sedentary behavior and happiness, as well as their physical and mental health post the COVID-19 pandemic compared to during the pandemic.
RESULTS:
The mean age of the participants was 28.9 ± 7.6 years. About 18% engaged in organized sports while 74% participated in general exercise, averaging 3.98 ± 1.6 weekly sessions. Following the pandemic, half of the participants perceived their physical activity as insufficient, and 54% considered their sedentary behavior excessive. Additionally, 41% reported increased physical activity, 34% reported decreased sedentary behavior, and 36% and 37% reported improvements in physical and mental health compared to during the pandemic. There was an association between reporting more exercise sessions per week and happiness, as well as better post-pandemic physical health.
CONCLUSION:
The study revealed a notable proportion of university students engaging in general exercise rather than specific sports activities. Despite this, a significant portion of the participants perceived their physical activity levels as inadequate, and a majority acknowledged excessive sedentary behavior. Encouragingly, post-pandemic, there was a positive shift with a considerable percentage reporting increased physical activity and reduced sedentary behavior, alongside notable improvements in both physical and mental health among a substantial portion of the participants. These findings underscore the importance of addressing physical activity and sedentary behavior in promoting overall health and well-being, particularly in the context of global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research and interventions are warranted to sustain and enhance these positive changes over the long term.

References
1. Gestsdottir, S., et al., Health and well-being of university students before and during COVID-19 pandemic: A gender comparison. PLoS One, 2021. 16(12): p. e0261346.
2. Jakobsdottir, G., et al., Changes in health-related lifestyle choices of university students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: Associations between food choices, physical activity and health. PLoS One, 2023. 18(6): p. e0286345.