Abstract
BACKGROUND: Physical activity is one of the most important factors that affect human health; it reduces the chances of hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, breast and colon cancer, and depression.OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to measure prevalence of physical activity and to determine the factors affecting the level of physical activity among medical student in Jazan University.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the students of medical colleges of Jazan University. A random sample of 419 was determined using most recent physical activity prevalence. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection.RESULTS: There is a high prevalence of inactivity among study participants (88.1%). Females (91.7%) were more significantly (p value=0.013) inactive than males (83.8%). The most influential barrier perceived by participants is (heavy) academic work as well as lack of places for physical activity; the latter factor being more effective in hindering female students' physical activity.CONCLUSION: Results revealed that the inactivity rate was very high among medical students. The results of this study call for a well-planned intervention at the university level for improving the level of physical activity among university students.
Highlights
Physical inactivity is an important modifiable risk factor for many non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
The most influential barrier perceived by participants is academic work as well as lack of places for physical activity; the latter factor being more effective in hindering female students' physical activity
According to Lee et al (2012), physical inactivity (PIA) were responsible for about 6% of coronary heart disease burden (7.8% in the Eastern Mediterranean Region), as well as 7% of type 2 diabetes, and 10% of both breast and colon cancers
Summary
Physical inactivity is an important modifiable risk factor for many non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Physical inactivity (PIA) contributes considerably to ischaemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and breast, colon, and rectal cancers (WHO, 2002). According to Lee et al (2012), PIA were responsible for about 6% of coronary heart disease burden (7.8% in the Eastern Mediterranean Region), as well as 7% of type 2 diabetes, and 10% of both breast and colon cancers. Studies about the prevalence of physical inactivity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reported a range of 43-99.5% of inactive Saudis This broad range is perhaps due to differences in assessment methods, regions, and age groups involved. Physical activity is one of the most important factors that affect human health; it reduces the chances of hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, breast and colon cancer, and depression
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