UZAKTAN EĞİTİM SÜRECİNİN ÜNİVERSİTE ÖĞRENCİLERİNDE KAS İSKELET SİSTEMİ PROBLEMLERİ, STRES DÜZEYİ VE YAŞAM KALİTESİ ÜZERİNE ETKİLERİ

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the musculoskeletal system problems, stress levels, and quality of life of university students during distance education and after face-to-face education and to determine the related factors. 71 university students were included in the study. Data was collected by sending an online survey link to the volunteer participants. Physical activity levels, musculoskeletal system problems, stress levels, quality of life, Covid-19 fear levels, daily sitting times, and time of using technological devices were compared during the distance education period and after face- to-face education. Physical activity levels were assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) Short Form, musculoskeletal problems were assessed by the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal System Questionnaire and Numerical Pain Scale (NPS), the stress level was assessed by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), quality of life was assessed by the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), and Covid-19 fear level was assessed by the Coronavirus-19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S). In the pre-pandemic, pandemic period, and post-face-to-face education comparisons of the students, a significant difference was found between their sitting time and their phone and laptop usage time (p<0.001). After face-to-face education, students achieved significant improvement in IPAQ, PSS, NHP, and C19P-S levels (p<0.05). During the distance education period and after face-to-face education, the painfull areas were found frequently in back, neck, and waist. There was a significant negative and weak relationship between UFAA and PSS, NHP Chapter 1 total score, energy, and pain (p<0.05). There was a significant positive and high relationship was found between NHP and PSS (p<0.05).There was a significant positive and weak relationship between NHP and C19P-S and NPS pain levels (p<0.05). There was no significant relationship between PSS-4 and C19P-S (p>0.05). A significant positive and moderate relationship was found between PSS-4 and back and low back pain level (p<0.05). There was a significant positive and weak relationship between back pain level and mobile phone and laptop use time (p<0.05). The pandemic, which is seen to adversely affect health, is seen to cause inactivity-related musculoskeletal problems in university students. With the foresight that the effects will continue in the post-pandemic periods, holistic and sustainable measures should be taken and necessary support should be supplied to protect and improve the health of young adults.