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This research investigated university students' understanding and misconceptions about sedentary behaviour and its health consequences. Recognising sedentary behaviour as a growing public health concern linked to obesity, cardiovascular disease, and mental health issues, the study aimed to assess knowledge and perceptions among students at the University of Salford, Manchester. A descriptive cross-sectional study used an online questionnaire completed by 104 participants. The findings revealed that students possessed moderate knowledge of sedentary behaviour but held significant misconceptions regarding its definition and specific health risks. Notably, fewer respondents recognised extended sitting as an independent risk factor for disease, although most acknowledged the negative effects of general physical inactivity. Awareness levels varied across academic disciplines, with health-related students showing higher understanding. The study concludes that despite some awareness, substantial gaps persist in students' understanding of the independent health risks of sedentary behaviour, highlighting the need for targeted educational interventions and supportive university environments.
Understanding students' misconceptions about sedentary behaviour is crucial because prolonged sitting is a significant, independent health risk. This research highlights where knowledge gaps exist, enabling universities and public health organisations to develop more effective educational programmes. Improving awareness can lead to healthier habits, potentially reducing future rates of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and mental health challenges among young adults.
This research provides insights for developing educational programmes and awareness campaigns aimed at university students. It highlights specific knowledge gaps that could be addressed by digital health tools, educational modules, or public health initiatives. Such interventions could help universities and public health organisations promote healthier lifestyles among young adults, potentially reducing long-term health costs. This is early-stage research informing the design of future educational and health promotion services.
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Background: Sedentary behaviour has emerged as a growing public health concern among young adults, particularly university students, due to its association with multiple adverse health outcomes, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and mental health challenges. Despite increasing awareness globally, misconceptions and inadequate knowledge about sedentary behaviour persist among students in higher education settings. Aim: To assess the knowledge and perception of the health outcomes of sedentary behaviour among students at the University of Salford, Manchester. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a quantitative research design. Data were collected through an online self-administered questionnaire distributed via the JISC platform. A total of 104 participants were recruited using convenience sampling from different schools and levels of study. The survey evaluated participant demographics, sedentary behaviour knowledge, and related health consequences. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to determine associations between variables. Results: Findings revealed moderate knowledge of sedentary behaviour among students, with significant misconceptions regarding its definition and health risks. Fewer respondents were aware that extended sitting is a risk factor for disease in and of itself, even though the majority acknowledged the negative effects of physical inactivity. Knowledge varied across academic disciplines, with health-related students demonstrating higher awareness levels. Discussion: The results align with global and European studies indicating persistent knowledge gaps about sedentary behaviour among university populations. Similar findings have been observed in studies from the United Kingdom and continental Europe, suggesting the need for targeted educational interventions and university-level health promotion strategies to address misconceptions and encourage behavioural change. Conclusion: Although students demonstrate partial awareness of sedentary behaviour and its health effects, substantial gaps remain in understanding its independent health risks. Universities should prioritise targeted awareness campaigns, integrate sedentary behaviour education into curricula, and create supportive environments to reduce sitting time.
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DOI: 10.38124/ijisrt/25oct1451
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