Sleep patterns, physical activity levels and dietary intake of university students in Southwestern Nigeria: changes during COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Evidence shows that independent of the pandemic, the university students already exhibit poor sleep patterns, low physical activity and sub-optimal dietary intake. The restrictive measures imposed to curb the disease spread are likely to influence these modifiable factors. This study seeks to assess the influence of COVID-19 on sleep patterns, physical activity level and dietary intake of university students in Southwestern Nigeria. Methods: A total sample size of 396 undergraduates were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. A semi-structured self-administered questionnaire, which had three sections, was used to elicit information. Sleep patterns were assessed with questions adapted from Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Physical activity was assessed using items from the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-Short Forms (SF), and dietary intake was assessed using items from the PLife COVID-19 questionnaire. Results: Most of the students had increased sleep-wake time (60.4%), Sleep duration (62%) and at least eight hours of sleep/day (55.1%). A majority (85.3%) had a low physical activity level, and their diet remains unchanged except for water (48.7%), fruit (43%) and dietary supplements (32.6%), which increased slightly. A majority (84.8%) had a worsened dietary intake. Statistically significant relationships exist between sleep quantity, physical activity and dietary intake (p<0.05). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic positively influences the sleep quantity of university students. However, it further compounded the low physical activity and unhealthy dietary intake. A sustainable measure to curtail the spread of a virus, with minimal interference in physical activity and dietary intake of this vulnerable group, should be considered in future pandemics.