RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCREEN TIME AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

The proliferation of digital technologies has significantly transformed the daily routines of university students, with smartphones, laptops, and tablets occupying a substantial portion of their time and potentially displacing health-promoting behaviors such as physical activity [3]. This study aimed to examine the relationship between daily screen time and physical activity levels among undergraduate sports sciences students, while also identifying behavioral and perceptual factors influencing this association. A quantitative cross-sectional design was used, involving a convenience sample of 120 students aged 18–25 from the University of Education, Lahore. Data were collected through a demographic questionnaire, Screen Time Assessment Scale, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and independent sample t-tests. The findings revealed that smartphones were the primary device for 89.2% of participants, with 52.5% exceeding four hours of daily screen time. Additionally, 43.7% reported reduced physical activity due to increased screen use, while 43.2% experienced fatigue that limited exercise. Only 45.7% met the WHO-recommended 150 minutes of weekly moderate-to-vigorous activity. The results indicate a significant inverse relationship between screen time and physical activity, highlighting the need for institutional digital wellness initiatives and structured physical education programs to reduce sedentary behavior.