A cross-sectional study on patterns, motivating factors and barriers for physical activity among undergraduate medical students

Abstract

Introduction: There is little published information exploring the perceptions and physical activity patterns among undergraduate medical students in our country. So this study was conducted with the following objectives: 1. To assess the perceptions about knowledge regarding physical activities among undergraduate medical students; 2. To assess their self-reported physical activity practices. Materials and Methods:This cross sectional study was conducted in Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore from 12th to 30th April, 2012. A total number of 427 students were chosen at by using the formula for infinite population. Tools: 1. A semi-structured questionnaire to know perceptions, barriers, and practices about physical activity; 2. Physical activity was assessed using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Analysis was done by using SPSS version 11. Significance of differences across various levels of physical activity between different age-groups and gender were made by chi square test. Results: 376 students participated. Majority of them had high physical activity (54.75%). Knowledge was poor about prevention of diabetes (68.9%), stroke (61.6%), and osteoporosis (33.8%). Majority (82.4%) of them perceived healthrelated benefits of physical activity as motivating factors rather than prevention of chronic noncommunicable diseases. Most of them (72.3%) have enrolled in life style modification activities like yoga, going to gymnasium, etc. Conclusion: Most of the students fall into moderate physical activity group. Health-related benefits were the driving force for doing physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of International Journal of Medicine & Public Health is the property of SCIBIOLMED.ORG and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)