Physical activity profile of students in Mansoura University, Egypt

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was carried out on 1708 students from Mansoura University, Egypt, to describe the pattern of physical activity, predictors of physical inactivity and perceived barriers to and benefits of physical activity. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to measure physical activity. Data were analysed according to the guidelines for data processing and analysis of the IPAQ. Perceived barriers to and potential benefits of physical activity were asked for. More than 11% of students were physically inactive. On logistic regression analysis, the independent predictors of physical inactivity were high socioeconomic standard of the family (OR 2.1), female sex (OR 1.8), medical education (OR 1.8) and non-membership in sports clubs (OR 1.6). The most frequent barriers to physical activity were time limitation and lack of accessible and suitable sporting places. More than 70% of the participants stated that physical activity promotes and maintains health.