Author/Authors :
Awadalla, N.J. University of Mansoura - College of Medicine - Department of Community Medicine, Egypt , Awadalla, N.J. King Khalid University - College of Medicine - Department of Family and Community Medicine, Saudi Arabia , Aboelyazed, A.E. King Khalid University - College of Medicine - Department of Family and Community Medicine, Saudi Arabia , Aboelyazed, A.E. University of Mansoura - College of Medicine - Department of Community Medicine, Egypt , Hassanein, M.A. King Khalid University - College of Medicine - Department of Family and Community Medicine, Saudi Arabia , Khalil, S.N. King Khalid University - College of Medicine - Department of Family and Community Medicine, Saudi Arabia , Aftab, R. King Khalid University - College of Medicine - Department of Family and Community Medicine, Saudi Arabia , Gaballa, I.I. King Khalid University - College of Medicine - Department of Family and Community Medicine, Saudi Arabia , Mahfouz, A.A. King Khalid University - College of Medicine - Department of Family and Community Medicine, Saudi Arabia
Abstract :
Physical inactivity is a public health problem in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the pattern of physical activity, predictors of physical inactivity and perceived barriers to physical activity among health college students in King Khalid University. A total of 1257 students (426 males and 831 females) were recruited. The Arabic short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used. Overall, 58.0% of the students were physically inactive. Only 13.4% of the students performed vigorous physical activity, 14.8% moderate-intensity physical activity and 29.9% walking activities which met World Health Organization criteria of health-enhancing physical activities. The prevalence of inactive leisure time was 47.5%. The independent predictors of physical inactivity were nonmembership of sports clubs and being a medical student. The top reported barrier to physical activity among inactive students was time limitations (51.3%). Overcoming perceived barriers may increase physical activity among students.
