Exploring the Relationship between Screen Time (Academic and Recreational) and Physical Activity Levels in Medical Students.
Abstract
Objective: To explore the relationship between academic and recreational screen time and physical activity levels among medical students in Pakistan, taking into account demographic and lifestyle factors.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Liaquat National Hospital and Nishtar Medical University from October 2024 to March 2025.
Subjects and Methods: A stratified random sample of 374 medical students was selected, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire that assessed screen time and physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression performed using SPSS version 23, with a significance threshold set 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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