Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Physical Activity Among Medical Students at University of Cyberjaya, Malaysia

Abstract

Background: Physical activity plays a crucial role in maintaining and promoting good health. However, sedentary lifestyles have become increasingly prevalent, leading to various health complications. Medical students, as future healthcare professionals, should be well-informed about the benefits of physical activity and serve as role models for their patients. A comprehensive understanding of their behaviours and perceptions is essential for developing effective interventions to promote a healthy lifestyle within this population. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards physical activity among medical students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among medical students using a validated self-administered questionnaire. The data was analysed with Jeffreys’s Amazing Statistics Program. Results: The study involved 270 medical students, the majority of whom were over 20 years old (57.0%), female (58.2%) and in their clinical years of medical school (54.1%). The results indicated the majority of the participants had high levels of knowledge (98.9%) and attitudes (92.2%) but low levels of physical activity practice (87.0%). Conclusion: Despite the high levels of knowledge and positive attitudes the study participants had towards physical activity, it is important to encourage their practice. The findings highlighted the need for focused interventions to promote physical activity in medical educations. Keywords: Physical Activity, Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Medical Students, Malaysia