Pattern Of, And Risk Factors For Physical Activity Among Medical Students In A Private Institution
Journal Title: National Journal of Research in Community Medicine - Year 2018, Vol 7, Issue 3
Abstract
Background: Physical activity refers to bodily movement generated by skeletal muscles, and involving expenditure of energy. The lack of adequate physical activity is an established behavioural risk factor for the development of several non-communicable diseases. The global prevalence of physical inactivity among adults is around 23%. Objectives: 1) To determine the prevalence and pattern of physical activity among medical students; 2) To investigate the relationship between physical activity and selected physical measures associated with risk of developing non-communicable diseases; and 3) To ascertain the factors associated with performance of adequate physical activity among medical students. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was performed among medical students and interns of a private medical college in Kerala using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, Body Mass Index and resting pulse rate were measured using standard procedures. Results: 57 (24.1%) of subjects had inadequate physical activity (<600 MET/ week). 210 (88.9%) of subjects had suboptimum resting pulse rate (≥65 beats per minute). 201 (85.2%) of subjects had an abnormal waist-hip ratio. 167 (70.7%) of subjects had a waist circumference at or above Action Level 2. 56(23.73%) of the subjects reported a daily sitting time of more than 480 minutes. Performance of adequate physical activity was significantly associated with male sex, year of study, and less than 480 minutes of daily sitting time (p<0.05). Females were significantly more likely to have a daily sitting time of >480 minutes (p<0.0001); and not to mention physical activity as a means of improving physical fitness (p: 0.002). Conclusions: Physical activity is significantly associated with sex, year of study, and daily duration of sitting.
Authors and Affiliations
Liaquat Roopesh Johnson, Chithra Chandran Prabha, Deepa Prakash, Drisya Gopinath Vasantha, Geethanjali Mohandas
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP525814
- DOI 10.26727/NJRCM.2018.7.3.223-228
- Views 104
- Downloads 0
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