Practice of physical activity among future doctors: a cross sectional analysis

ABSTRACT

Non communicable diseases [NCD] will account for 73% of deaths and 60% of the global disease burden by 2020. Physical activity plays a major role in the prevention of these non communicable diseases. The stress involved in meeting responsibilities of becoming a physician may adversely affect the exercise habits of students. So, the current study aimed to study the practice of physical activity among undergraduate medical students. A cross sectional study was conducted among 240 undergraduate medical students. Quota sampling method was used to identify 60 students from each of the four even semesters. A pre tested, semi structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS] version 16 was used for data entry and analysis and results are expressed as percentages and proportions. In our study, 55% were 20 to 22 years old. Over half of the students were utilizing the sports facilities provided by the university in the campus. Majority of students 165 [69%] had normal body mass index [BMI], [51] 21% were overweight, while 7 [3%] were obese. Of the 62% who were currently exercising, the practice of physical activity was more among boys as compared to girls [62% v/s 38%]. Lack of time 46 [60.5%], laziness [61.8%], and exhaustion from academic activities [42%] were identified as important hindering factors among medical students who did not exercise. A longitudinal study to follow up student behavior throughout their academic life is needed to identify the factors promoting the practice of physical activity among students