PATTERNS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS IN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is one of the leading health indicators. PA and sedentary lifestyle are considered among the main factors of health in relation to the lifestyle. Both are associated independently, with mortality and morbidity. Medical students should not only know the importance of physical activity but it is their ethical obligation to influence the patient’s attitude towards physical activity and become role models for patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the practice and patterns of physical activity among undergraduate medical students. 
METHODS:This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted during the year 2016 among the medical students of Khyber Girls Medical College, Peshawar. Study group included 131 students from 3rd and 4th year, out of which 88 were day scholars and 42 boarders. In terms of age and gender it was a homogenous group i.e. aging between 20-24 and all female. The study tool was International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). 
RESULTS: Data of 131 undergraduate students was analyzed in Excel. All were undergraduate female students of 3rd year and 4th year from Khyber Girls Medical College. Out of the total, 88 students were day-scholars and 43 were boarders.20 students refused to participate. In day-scholar students, physical activity of low level was 36%, moderate was 37.5% and vigorous activity was performed by 21.5%. Whereas for boarders, physical activity of low intensity was performed by 44.2%, moderate was performed by 11.6% and vigorous by 44.2% of the students. 
CONCLUSION: About 44.2% boarders and 36% day-scholars exhibited low physical activity. The trend of physical activity is slightly more in day-scholars than in boarders. 
KEY WORDS: IPAQ, Physical activity, Medical students, Health.