Sociodemographic and body image measures associated with overall and domain-specific physical activity among a group of Malaysian university undergraduates

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to determine the prevalence of overall and work, transport and leisure domain physical activity (PA) and their associated factors among Malaysian university undergraduates. Design/methodology/approach: This is an online cross-sectional study, which gathered data on sociodemographic parameters, PA and body image. Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) was used to collect data on PA while Multidimensional Body-Self Relation Questionnaire-Appearance Scale (MBSRQ-AS) for body image constructs. Three faculties were chosen through stratified random sampling where all its undergraduates were invited. A total of 898 students responded, of which 718 were accepted for analysis. Findings: Prevalence of overall work, transport and leisure domain PA among the students was 82.2%, 47.8%, 36.1% and 51.4% respectively. Overall PA was associated with male students (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.840, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.182–2.865); work PA was associated with the Malay race (AOR: 1.728, 95% CI: 1.240–2.409) and having part-time jobs (AOR: 3.098, 95% CI: 1.680–5.714); transport PA was associated with medical faculty (AOR: 1.677, 95% CI: 1.214–2.317) and leisure PA was associated with male students (AOR: 3.836, 95% CI: 2.746–5.360) and high overweight preoccupation (AOR: 1.486, 95% CI: 1.089–2.028). Research limitations/implications: Self-reported variables may be subjected to overestimation and bias. Practical implications: Distributions of PA and its associated factors may be used as guidance for health promotions catering to university students. Social implications: Factors affecting PA among the youth are correlated with social life events. Originality/value: Focus on domain-specific PA in association with body image measures may add values to existing PA studies, which is lacking in Malaysia.