Prevalence and factors affecting adherence to the 24-hour movement guidelines among university students in Singapore

Abstract

Integrated movement guidelines have been accepted by many health promotion organisations as a good measurement of individual health. These guidelines combine movement behaviors such as physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior (SB), and sleep into a single framework for a more holistic approach to health. Understanding population movement trends allow for more informed development of intervention programs, and given its associated benefits, promotion would improve public health. This study aims to examine the proportion of university students in Singapore that meet the guidelines, investigate the association between adherence and quality of life (QOL), and identify factors that affect adherence among the student populace. A total of 84 adult university students in Singapore participated in this study via a single online survey. Levels of movement behavior, QOL, factors affecting adherence, and the impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on movement behaviors and QOL were assessed. Overall adherence to the movement guidelines were low. There were no significant differences in mean QOL scores between those who fully met the guidelines, and those who did not (p > 0.05). Factors identified suggest that the low adherence rate is caused by lifestyle choices. COVID-19 generally had negative effects on movement behavior and QOL. Adherence may improve through the development of intervention programs with incentives to motivate the student populace. Future studies may benefit from a larger sample size, and by examining the magnitude of impact each recommendation has on QOL in university students in Singapore.