Physical Activity Among Students of Unani and Ayurvedic Medical College during COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: Physical inactivity is an established risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and has been identified as a major public health concern worldwide specially during COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2020 to assess the physical activity of unani and ayurvedic medical college students during the covid-19 pandemic in Mirpur-13, Dhaka. Physical activity was measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. 131 medical students were selected purposively, and interviewed with a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. A face-to-face interview was conducted to collect data. Result: Among the 131 students, 9.9% did not achieve the WHO-recommended MET minutes per week. 48.6% of students were engaged in a moderate level, and 42% achieved a high level of physical activity. Among the 13 students who didn’t achieve the recommended MET scores, only 4 were males and 9 were females. Major contributions to total physical activity from work 43% (male 24.47%, female 66.56%) and transport activity 26.14% (male 36.07%, female 14.41%) domains. Leisure-time physical activity represented 30% (male 39.46%, female 19.03%). There was a significant association between the level of recreational MET min/week and gender (p<0.000), with males being more active. Average MET scores attained by males and females in the 3 domains of physical activity showed significant differences highlighting the need to promote more activities among females. No significant differences were found between physical activity, academic year, and family income. The average time spent sitting was around 8 hours per day (males 7 hours, 9 hours). 18% of male students were smokers. Among total respondents 25.2% were co-morbid. Among them, 10% of female students had thyroid problems. Conclusion: We recommend that there is a need to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior among medical students, particularly among female students.