Being physically active: Perceived barriers among future doctors at Ege University, 2013-2016
Makaleler > Tam Makale · 2018
Yazarlar: Işıl ERGİN
European Journal of Public Health, SCI Expanded İndekslerine Giren Dergi, Uluslararası, Wos, 2018, cilt 28, ss 382-382
DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cky214.210
Özet
Background: Low levels of physical activity among medical school students has shown that knowledge of maintaining good health is not translated into practice. Aim: To determine perceived barriers for physical activity and the associated determinants, among 4th-year medical school students, between 2013-2016 at Ege University, Turkey. Methods: A total of 356 students in 2013-14 (n = 330, 92,7%), 398 in 2014-15 (n = 360, 90,5%) and 374 in 2015-2016 (n = 329, 88,0%) in their 4-th year at Ege University were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire, completed at the beginning of a 2-hours skills training session of NCD prevention. Data was collected in groups of 16-20 students, at 72 sessions. Socioeconomic and demographic features, self-rated health(SRH), concomitant disease, self-reported weight/height(BMI) and physical activity status (with IPAQ short form) were questioned. For perceived barriers, 25 statements from 4 domains-barriers for outdoor activities(9), indoor activities(8), general(6), planning (2)- were evaluated. Respondents indicated their level of agreement by way of a 5-point Likert scale ranging from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree”. Student's T-tests were used to compare means of each item-response with the independent variables. Results: The highest scoring statement was “I am short of time because of my study load” (3,68±1,28) followed by “no one does regular physical activity in my family”(3,37±1,37). Gender differences arouse for “My family would not permit”(p = 0,005), “I find it culturally inadequate” (p < 0,001) and “I cannot find a colleague to do sports together”(p = 0,031). Socioeconomic and demographic factors, SRH, BMI and physical activity status were also associated with the perceived barriers. Conclusions: The study load being a major barrier, is exacerbated by gender related cultural issues and socioeconomic inequalities. Understanding the perceived barriers is vital, regarding their critical future role in health promotion. Key messages: For being physically active, study load being a major barrier, is exacerbated by gender related cultural issues and socioeconomic inequalities among future doctors. Understanding the perceived barriers for being physically active is vital, regarding their critical future role in health promotion.