Physical Activity Levels, Swimming Ability, and Smoking Status among Kuwaiti Physical Education College Students

Abstract

Introduction: Swimming is becoming increasing popular in Kuwait. Relationships with teachers, especially physical education (PE) teachers whether positive or negative, influences cigarette use among young people. Despite the public health concerns, comprehensive lifestyle data of Kuwaiti college age students, including physical activity and smoking habits, is lacking. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the physical activity (PA) levels, swimming ability, and smoking status among Kuwaiti male and female physical education colleges students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 418 randomly selected college students (198 males and 220 females) aged 18-25 years from the College of Basic Education during the 2017 - 2018 academic year. Physical activity levels were assessed using the Arab Teen Lifestyle Study (ATLS) questionnaire. Swimming ability and smoking status were assessed using the Godin questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements included weight (kg) and height (cm). Body fat (%) and lean muscle mass (kg) were determined with bioelectrical impedance analysis. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using height and weight (kg/m2). Statistics: Independent t-tests were used to detect significant differences between the mean values of male and female subjects. Results: Male subjects had more muscle mass (39.1±4 kg vs. 25±4 kg) and were more physically active compared with females (645±40 vs. 443±56 min/week) (p<0.05). Body fat was greater in females (32±7%) compared with males (21±10%) (p<0.05). Both groups had similar BMI values (23.7±4 kg/m2 and 23.1±3 kg/m2 in males and females, respectively). Smoking prevalence was 45% in males and 7% in females. Three percent of males and 20% of females did not know how to swim. Conclusion: Male PE students report greater physical activity levels than female students; however, they have a higher prevalence of smoking which might affect children and adolescent students and increase the prevalence in the Kuwaiti society. For this reason, there is an urgent need for the Ministry of Education to provide smoking cessation clinics.