Sedentary Behavior Among School-aged Students During Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

It is well established that sedentary behavior is associated with obesity, quality of life, all-cause, and cardiovascular death. Along with the COVID-19 pandemic, sedentary behavior is increasing. This study aims to describe sedentary activity among school-aged children. Participants of this study were 67 students, 30 boys and 37 girls. Data collected in the present study from Adolescent Sedentary Activity Questionnaire (ASAQ) filled by the participants about their sedentary behavior. This cross-sectional study revealed that most sedentary behavior among children was playing smartphones or tablets in their spare time (8.59 ± 5.93) hours on weekdays, while on weekends, (3.95 ± 3.41) hours. There was no significant difference regarding characteristics (age, height, weight, and BMI) and sedentary behavior between males and females. Besides, a significant correlation was found in the study-based activities on the weekend with age and other sedentary activities on BMI. This prolonged sedentary behavior among children could be the leading cause of obesity, which later can develop into a chronic disease. It is imperative to limit sedentary behavior by involving their parents and developing programs to promote physical activity engagement.