The sedentary doctors versus the active community: contrasting physical activity patterns from South India

Jazeela Mohamed Siddique; Amna Ubaidulla Mannari Chalil; Nandini Gopalamenon; Althaf Ahammed Ayyambrath Abdul Salam; Lamiya Kalladi Kammappa

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20262261

Authors

Jazeela Mohamed Siddique Department of Community Medicine, MES Medical College Perinthalmanna, Malappuram, Kerala, India
Amna Ubaidulla Mannari Chalil Department of Community Medicine, MES Medical College Perinthalmanna, Malappuram, Kerala, India
Nandini Gopalamenon Department of Community Medicine, MES Medical College Perinthalmanna, Malappuram, Kerala, India
Althaf Ahammed Ayyambrath Abdul Salam Department of Community Medicine, MES Medical College Perinthalmanna, Malappuram, Kerala, India
Lamiya Kalladi Kammappa Department of Community Medicine, MES Medical College Perinthalmanna, Malappuram, Kerala, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20262261

Keywords:

GPAQ, Physical activity, Medical professionals, Work environment

Abstract

Background: Physical inactivity is a major modifiable risk factor for non-communicable diseases. Despite adequate knowledge of healthy lifestyles, medical professionals may experience reduced physical activity due to occupational demands. Evaluating physical activity levels and identifying associated sociodemographic factors is essential for targeted interventions. This study assessed and compared physical activity patterns among medical professionals and the general public in South India and determined the association between sociodemographic factors and physical activity levels.

Methods: We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study from May to June 2024, involving 50 medical professionals and 50 members of the general public. Physical activity was assessed using the World Health Organization Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Activity levels were classified as sufficient or insufficient.

Results: The median METS-minutes per week of the general public was higher than that of medical professionals. There was a statistically significant association between sufficient physical activity and lower educational groups and skill level II occupation. The medical professionals engaged in 90% lower odds of work-related physical activity than general public. In contrast, medical professionals engaged in nearly three-fold higher odds of recreational physical activity than the general public did.

Conclusions: The median METS-minutes per week of the general public was higher than that of medical professionals. There was a statistically significant association between sufficient physical activity and lower educational groups and skill level II occupation. The medical professionals engaged in 90% lower odds of work-related physical activity than general public. In contrast, medical professionals engaged in nearly three-fold higher odds of recreational physical activity than the general public did.

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