Exploring the Relationship between Screen Time and Physical Activity Levels in Medical Students.

Nimra Akhtar; Hamna Khan; Hufsah Shoaib

doi:10.63050/jpps.22.04.1078

Nimra Akhtar Liaquat National Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan.
Hamna Khan Nishtar Medical University, Multan, Pakistan.
Hufsah Shoaib Liaquat National Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.63050/jpps.22.04.1078

Keywords: Health Behavior, Exercise, Sedentary Behavior, Screen Time, Students, Public Health , Medical, Young Adults

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To explore the relationship between academic and recreational screen time and physical activity levels in medical students in Pakistan, taking into account demographic and lifestyle factors.
STUDY DESIGN
Cross-sectional study
PLACE & DURATION OF STUDY
The study was conducted at Liaquat National Hospital & Medical College and Nishtar Medical University from October 2024 to March 2025.
METHOD
A total of 374 medical students were recruited through stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed screen time and physical activity by using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Statistical analyses comprising Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were calculated using SPSS version 23, with a significance level at p ≤ 0.05.
RESULTS
The participants reported an average academic screen time of 2.43 ± 1.39 hours per day and recreational screen time of 3.58 ± 1.48 hours per day. Recreational screen time negatively impacted academic performance for 59.9% of students, with only 5.6% engaging in physical activities concurrently. Physical activity levels were low among 65% of participants. Barriers to physical activity included a lack of motivation (47.9%) and academic commitments (35.6%). Male students and those over the age of 20 exhibited higher levels of physical activity. Excessive academic screen time was strongly associated with low physical activity (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Medical students in Pakistan demonstrate low levels of physical activity, which are further exacerbated by excessive screen time, particularly for academic purposes. Interventions aimed at promoting balanced screen use and encouraging physical activity are essential.

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Author Biography

Nimra Akhtar, Liaquat National Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan.

Department of Community Medicine

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