OBJECTIVELY MEASURED PHYSICAL BEHAVIOUR AND ASSOCIATION WITH DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND STRESS IN MALE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

V. Raigangar¹, A. Javed², A. AbdulRazzak², R. Alsaad², H. Horieh², E. Mohammed², J. Mirgason²

¹University of Brighton, Physiotherapy, Eastbourne, United Kingdom, ²University of Sharjah, Physiotherapy, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Background: Decreased physical activity (PA) and increased sedentary behavior (SB) became increasingly prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly with increased online learning in University students. Studies show association of PA with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, all of which might be prevalent in University students. Alongside inactivity, the risks of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) increase such as obesity, diabetes, and chronic conditions.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine sedentary behavior (SB) and physical activity (PA) and its relationship with depression, anxiety, and stress in male university students in the United Arab Emirates.

Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study involved convenience sampling of 34 male Health Sciences students at the University of Sharjah, following ethical approval and online informed consent. Objective physical activity was collected using activPAL™, a body-worn physical activity monitor on the right thigh, with results averaged over 7 days to determine total sedentary bouts, standing time and physical activity (light or moderate to vigorous physical activity- MVPA). Depression, anxiety, and stress levels were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Height and weight were measured, body mass index (BMI) was calculated.

Results: Overall, 45% (N=15) University students (mean age 20±1.6) demonstrated light PA, with 60% (N=20) having a sitting time of between 6-8 hours, with a mean standing time of 3.1 (±1.1) hours per day. Also, 30% students (N=10) were normal weight, and 70% (N=24) were overweight/obese, with 41% (N=14) living in dorms. DASS-21 scores revealed significant difference in depression scores with higher scores in students living in dorms (χ²=3.8, p=0.05). Separate multiple linear regression models were performed to examine the associations between measured variables and DASS-21. Light PA, MVPA, and standing time were not related to DASS-21. Independent of PA, the amount of time spent in sedentary bouts between 2 to 4 hours was positively correlated to depression (r=0.52, p=0.02).

Conclusions: Majority of male UAE University students are overweight/ obese and engage in low levels of physical activity with high daily mean sitting times. Although, levels of physical activity are not associated with depression, students living in the dorms experience higher levels of depression as do students that spend more time sedentary.

Implications: Because University students spend majority of their time on activities that encourage prolonged sitting, it is important to raise awareness of breaking these sedentary bouts with other activities, while increasing the amount of PA. Furthermore, health promotion interventions in the dorms, including fun physical competitions can be added to further reduce depression. Future research into the causes of depression along with comparison between males and females and different majors is warranted.

Funding acknowledgements: No funding was received for this study.

Keywords:
Physical activity
Sedentary behaviour
Male University students

Topics:
Health promotion & wellbeing/healthy ageing/physical activity
COVID-19
Mental health

Did this work require ethics approval? Yes

Institution: University of Sharjah

Committee: Research Ethics committee

Ethics number: REC-22-04-28-01-S