Levels of physical activity of university students in COVID-19: More challenges for women compared to men?

Studies have indicated lower levels of physical activity and inadequate health conditions among young university students, which may have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the levels of physical activity based on sociodemographic and health conditions of university students during the pandemic period. This cross-sectional study included 235 students from a public and multi-campus university in the state of Bahia, Brazil, from July to October 2020, when in-person activities were suspended. Levels of physical activity were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short form), and a questionnaire developed by the researchers evaluated sociodemographic and health conditions, both of which were applied via Google Forms®. Most participants (59.1%) showed insufficient levels of physical activity. Only sex differed significantly (p < 0.001), with a higher proportion of women (65.7%) reporting lower levels of physical activity than men (38.6%). Barriers challenges may have limited the incorporation of physical activity among women university during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research is needed to elucidate the findings of this study.