Joint physical activity and screen time patterns in relation to mental health and sleep among university students: A systematic review with exploratory quantitative synthesis.
Wei Gao, Zhiheng Li, Ming Li
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review examined the relationship between joint patterns of physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) on mental health and sleep among university students. The analysis included 55 studies, with six providing quantitative data. Higher PA and lower ST were associated with better mental health outcomes, while lower PA and higher ST correlated with poorer outcomes. Notably, higher PA and lower ST were linked to lower odds of anxiety (OR = 0.64), depression (OR = 0.46), and poor sleep (OR = 0.54).
Key findings
- Higher PA combined with lower ST was associated with better mental health and sleep.
- Lower PA and higher ST correlated with less favorable mental health outcomes.
- HPA-LST was linked to lower odds of anxiety (OR = 0.64).
- HPA-LST was associated with lower odds of depression (OR = 0.46) and poor sleep (OR = 0.54).
Why it matters
Understanding the interplay between physical activity and screen time is crucial for addressing mental health and sleep issues in university students, a population at risk for these challenges. This knowledge can inform interventions aimed at improving overall well-being.