A Study on Physical Activity and Stress Levels among Undergraduate Medical Students
Journal Title: Journal of Medical Science And clinical Research - Year 2018, Vol 6, Issue 3
Abstract
Introduction: Mental health issues among college students are a growing public health concern. The increasing rates of depression, anxiety and stress tend to interfere with their quality of life and educational attainment. Studies have also suggested high levels of stress in health care profession students. Especially, considerable amount of stress has been noted in medical students. The benefits of Physical activity on the mental health of students have been the focus of some researchers from across the globe. This study was conducted with the objective of comparing the levels of perceived stress among students who were physically active and those who were not. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in a random sample of 300 undergraduate medical students studying in a Medical college in kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu. Their level of Physical activity was measured by the International Physical activity Questionnaire, and their stress levels were assessed by the Perceived Stress Scale. Results: Out of the 300 students who participated in this study, 138 were males and 162 were females. The mean age of the participants was 20 years. Overall prevalence of high stress levels and low physical activity was 29.7% and 35 % respectively. Stress levels were high in students who demonstrated low physical activity compared to students who were highly active. This relationship was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: This study reiterates the importance of physical activity in reducing stress levels among medical students. Implementation of primary prevention strategies, such as, compulsory physical education programs at college level will go a long way in preventing stress and its long term effects in the student community.
Authors and Affiliations
Shankar Kanagasabapathy
Mean Platelet Volume in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Case Control Study
Background: Cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) include some of the most common and devastating disorders. The important risk factors are hypertension, heart disease, atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking,...
Height and Weight Adjusted Dose versus Fixed Dose of Bupivacaine for Spinal Anaesthesia for Caesarean
Spinal Anaesthesia is the preferred choice of anaesthesia for caesarean sections. It avoids the risks associated with general anaesthesia like the risk of aspiration, incidence of difficult airway etc. However it is not...
The Effectiveness of Waste Crude Bromelain Pineapple and Papaya Fruit Mixture as Anti-Plaque Toothpaste
Background: Several studies have shown that excessive use of fluoride toothpaste can cause bone loss, kidney problems, decreased IQ and gastric disorders, especially in children. Objectives: This study aims to make prepa...
Prevalence of respiratory infections and health issues of people in Ambattur Athipattu garbage site, in Chennai, Tamilnadu
The solid waste handling and disposal is a growing environmental and public health concern. The solid waste workers and the people live near the solid waste disposal area are exposed to a number of pathogens, toxic subst...
Esophageal Foreign Body Induced Perforation, Presenting as Cardiac Chest Pain Mimicker– Case Report
We report a case of 56 years old male diagnosed case of Type II Diabetes Mellitus and Coronary artery disease in form of old Inferior wall Myocardial Infarction presented initially in cardiology clinic with complaints of...