Article ViewAbstractInternational Journal of Medicine and Public Health,2014,4,4,413-416.DOI:10.4103/2230-8598.144115Published:October2013Type:Original ArticleA cross-sectional study on patterns, motivating factors and barriers for physical activity among undergraduate medical studentsHarsha Kumar HN, Neha Ramakrishnan, Mayur Chandrashekar, Arpitha Kodihalli Jayaramegowda, Mohit Kadian, and Vikas Chauhan Harsha Kumar HN, Neha Ramakrishnan, Mayur Chandrashekar, Arpitha Kodihalli Jayaramegowda, Mohit Kadian, Vikas Chauhan Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India Abstract:Introduction: There is little published information exploring the perceptions and physical activity patterns among undergraduate medical students in our country. So this study was conducted with the following objectives: 1. To assess the perceptions about knowledge regarding physical activities among undergraduate medical students; 2. To assess their self-reported physical activity practices. Materials and Methods:This cross sectional study was conducted in Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore from 12th to 30th April, 2012. A total number of 427 students were chosen at by using the formula for infinite population. Tools: 1. A semi-structured questionnaire to know perceptions, barriers, and practices about physical activity; 2. Physical activity was assessed using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Analysis was done by using SPSS version 11. Significance of differences across various levels of physical activity between different age-groups and gender were made by chi square test. Results: 376 students participated. Majority of them had high physical activity (54.75%). Knowledge was poor about prevention of diabetes (68.9%), stroke (61.6%), and osteoporosis (33.8%). Majority (82.4%) of them perceived healthrelated benefits of physical activity as motivating factors rather than prevention of chronic noncommunicable diseases. Most of them (72.3%) have enrolled in life style modification activities like yoga, going to gymnasium, etc. Conclusion: Most of the students fall into moderate physical activity group. Health-related benefits were the driving force for doing physical activity. Keywords:Barriers, medical students, Motivating factors, Physical activity patternsView:PDF (476.92 KB) PDFClick here to download the PDF file. ‹ A comparative study of pulmonary Koch’s among marble stone worker community of Bhedaghat and nonmarble stone worker community of Garha up A prospective nonrandomized clinical study on exudative age related macular degeneration ›