Impact of Screen Time on Diet and Physical Activity among Students at UiTM Puncak Alam

Abstract

Lifestyle choices significantly influence eating habits and overall quality of life, contributing to the development of overweight and obesity. Factors such as prolonged television viewing, increased consumption of fast food and soft drinks and low levels of physical activity are all associated with this issue. The widespread use of electronic devices has emerged as a significant problem threatening individuals' quality of life, especially among the younger generations, particularly university students. Therefore, investigating the current relationship between screen time, diet, and physical activity is crucial. This cross-sectional study examines the correlation between screen time, dietary intake, and physical activity among students at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Puncak Alam. A total of 150 participants aged 21 years and older were involved in the study. Data were collected through a 3-day dietary recall, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and a screen-time questionnaire. Nutritional data were analyzed using Nutritionist Pro™ software, while statistical analysis utilized SPSS version 27.0. Findings revealed that most students engaged in moderate to heavy screen time, averaging 850 minutes daily. Dietary assessments indicated concerning trends, as 68% of participants reported excessive fat intake, and none met the recommended fibre intake of 25–30 grams per day. In terms of physical activity, 38% of participants were classified as moderately active, while a significant portion exhibited low activity levels. Correlational analysis revealed a weak but statistically significant positive association between screen time and fat intake (????_???? = 0.188, p = 0.021). However, no significant correlation was found between screen time and physical activity levels (????_???? = -0.146, p = 0.075) or with other macronutrient and micronutrient intakes. These results suggest that prolonged screen exposure may contribute to unhealthy dietary patterns, but it has limited influence on physical activity among this cohort. In conclusion, the study highlights correlations between screen time, diet, and physical activity, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted interventions to address excessive screen use and promote healthier lifestyle behaviours among university students. Strategies to improve dietary habits and increase physical activity levels are essential to mitigate the risks associated with sedentary lifestyles and poor nutrition.