Descriptive study of physical activity and sitting time among medical students from North India

Abstract

Background: A physically active lifestyle is the cornerstone of good health. A sedentary lifestyle is emerging as a global threat to public health and physical activity is being recommended as an important intervention for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. Aim and Objectives: The present study aims to assess the level of physical activity and duration of sitting time among medical undergraduates to guide the formulation of strategies for healthy lifestyles. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical undergraduate students of a teaching hospital in North India. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire regarding the demographic profile, anthropometric parameters, physical activity, and sitting time. The level of physical activity and time spent sitting was assessed using International Physical Activity Questionnaire. R software was used for data analysis. Results: A total of 250 medical students were included with a response rate of 83.3%. Overall, 67.6% of students engaged in moderate levels of physical activity, 21.2% engaged in high levels, and 11.2% engaged in low levels of physical activity. The mean time spent sitting was 8.8 hours/day (males: 8.5 and females: 9.1). It showed a significant association between physical activity and body mass index, with the low prevalence of obesity among students engaged in moderate and high levels of physical activity. Conclusion: The study highlights prolonged sitting as an emerging public health problem where three-fourths of students were spending more than 7 hours/day sitting. However, the majority of students were engaged in moderate to high levels of physical activity.