Appraisal of ‘Physical Activity’ Patterns among Medical Students: A Cross- Sectional Study Using International Physical Activity Questionnaire -Short Form (IPAQ-SF) In Lucknow, India

Abstract

Introduction: The health benefits of physical activity are well established. In India, it is estimated that overall, 39.2 crore individuals are physically inactive. The trends of physical inactivity among Indian adolescent and youth populations are also alarming which implies that a huge population is at risk for developing NCDs. Objective: To assess physical activity levels among MBBS students. Method: The study was conducted at a medical institute in Uttar Pradesh. Sample size of 342 was drawn using stratified random sampling. The data collection was done based on “IPAQ- short form” using self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done as prescribed by the IPAQ-SF tool kit. Results: A total of 342 MBBS students participated in the study. Mean age of the participants was 20.86 years (Range 18-26 years). A total of 117(34.2%) medical students were found to be “insufficiently active” (Category-1),134 students (39.2%) were just minimally active (Category -2) and rest 91(26.6%) students were HEPA (Health Enhancing Physical Activity) active (Category-3). Median MET- minutes/week and Inter Quartile Range (IQR) for vigorous physical activity was 0(0-640), for moderate activity it was 60(0-320) and for walking it was 462(297-924). Overall total physical activity MET- minutes/week and IQR was 942(401-2066). The median and (IQR) values for sitting were 10(8-12) hours/day. Conclusion: The study reveals that a noteworthy proportion of the participants do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity, indicating a pressing public health concern. Findings necessitate the importance of behaviour change activities to promote physical activity in the study population.