Exercise and quality of life in medical students

Authors

  • Nisachol Sattayanurak Department of Family MedicineFaculty of MedicineChiang Mai University
  • Wichuda Jirapornjaroen Department of Family MedicineFaculty of MedicineChiang Mai University
  • Anawat Wisetborisut Department of Family MedicineFaculty of MedicineChiang Mai University
  • Nalinee Jakkaew Department of Family MedicineFaculty of MedicineChiang Mai University
  • Auswin Rojanasumapong Department of Family MedicineFaculty of MedicineChiang Mai University
  • Kanokporn Pinyopornpanish Department of Family MedicineFaculty of MedicineChiang Mai University

Keywords:

exercise, quality of life, SF-36, medical student

Abstract

Objective To determine the prevalence of exercise among medical students and examine the association between exercise and quality of life (QOL).

Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary health data from 2nd to 5th year medical student at Chiang Mai University (class of 2016). Adequate exercise was defi ned as an average exercise of 3 days/week with ≥30 minutes/session. QOL was assessed using SF-36.

Results Of 933 medical students, 47.5% were male. Mean age was 21.5 years old. 29.3% had adequate exercise. There was no difference in levels of exercise among 2nd to 5th year. Male students were more likely to have adequate exercise than female (36.12% vs 23.06%, p <0.01). Medical students reported adequate exercise had better QOL compare to those who had inadequate exercise or no exercise (p <0.01).

Conclusion Exercise is correlated with better QOL in medical students. However, majority of students have inadequate exercise. Encouraging medical students into exercise may improve their QOL during medical school. Further study should emphasize on types of exercise and factors associated with adequate exercise.

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Published

2018-04-01

How to Cite

1.
Sattayanurak N, Jirapornjaroen W, Wisetborisut A, Jakkaew N, Rojanasumapong A, Pinyopornpanish K. Exercise and quality of life in medical students. BSCM [Internet]. 2018 Apr. 1 [cited 2025 Jan. 5];57(2):99-108. Available from: https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/CMMJ-MedCMJ/article/view/94381

Issue

Vol. 57 No. 2 (2018): April-June

Section

Original Article

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