Lifestyle of Italian University Students Attending Different Degree Courses: A Survey on Physical Activity, Sleep and Eating Behaviors during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Antonino Mulè, Letizia Galasso, Lucia Castelli (), Andrea Ciorciari, Giovanni Michielon, Fabio Esposito, Eliana Roveda and Angela Montaruli
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Antonino Mulè: Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
Letizia Galasso: Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
Lucia Castelli: Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
Andrea Ciorciari: Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
Giovanni Michielon: Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
Fabio Esposito: Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
Eliana Roveda: Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy
Angela Montaruli: Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 22, 1-12

Abstract: The current study aimed to evaluate the Italian university students’ lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic, considering the degree courses, chronotype, and sex. Five-hundred thirty-three participants (21.46 ± 0.18 yrs, 335 females) filled out: Godin-Shephard Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (GSL-TPAQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Mediterranean Diet Quality Index (KIDMED), Reduced Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ) to assess physical activity, sleep, nutrition and chronotype. Use of electronic devices, smoking, and drinking habits were also evaluated. Sports science students were more active (60.92 ± 2.96), slept better (4.40 ± 0.15), showed greater Mediterranean diet adherence (5.98 ± 0.31), and smoked less (smokers: 14.5%) than nursing students (GSL-TPAQ: 38.62 ± 2.92, PSQI: 5.29 ± 0.18, KIDMED: 4.23 ± 0.33, smokers: 27.9%). They displayed a higher percentage of beer drinkers (40% vs. 28.7%) and lower use of electronic devices (5.92 ± 0.17 vs. 9.07 ± 1.17). Evening-type students showed worse sleep (5.96 ± 0.30) and lower Mediterranean diet adherence (4.32 ± 0.52) than Neither- (PSQI: 4.58 ± 0.13, KIDMED: 5.13 ± 0.28) and Morning-types (PSQI: 4.33 ± 0.33, KIDMED: 6.71 ± 0.64). Evening-types also showed a higher percentage of smokers (29.9%) and drinkers (beer: 53.3%, wine: 45.8%, alcohol: 40.2%) than Neither- (smokers: 20.3%, beer: 31.4%, wine: 31.4%, alcohol: 23.5%) and Morning-types (smokers: 8.9%, beer: 19.6%, wine: 19.6%, alcohol: 8.9%). Evening-type males used electronic devices longer (9.10 ± 3.05) than females (6.71 ± 0.41). Females showed fewer drinkers (beer: 26.6%, wine: 29.6%) than males (beer: 49.0%, wine: 38.9%). Maintaining a correct lifestyle even in this unusual condition is essential, in particular among the Evening-type students.

Keywords: chronotype; physical activity; sleep; eating behaviors; lifestyle; quality of life; COVID-19 pandemic (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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