PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SEDENTARY BEHAVIOR AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS:AN IPAQ BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Physical inactivity is a major modifiable risk factor for non-communicable diseases. Medical students, despite their future role as health promoters, are frequently reported to have insufficient physical activity and high sedentary behavior. This study aimed to assess physical activity levels, sedentary time, and gender differences among medical students using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 undergraduate medical students in 2025. Physical activity was assessed using the IPAQ-SF and expressed as metabolic equivalent task minutes per week (MET-min/week). Participants were categorized into low, moderate, and high physical activity groups according to established IPAQ criteria. Gender differences were analyzed using Welch’s t-test and chi-square tests.