Background: It is recognized that the health of physicians directly impacts the health of the larger population. Therefore, it is desirable that physicians lead a favorable lifestyle not only for their own health but also in view of their role in providing guidance for patients.
Objective: To assess physical activity among resident physicians in the postgraduate training programs of Saudi Board in Aseer region, KSA.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted including all Saudi Board residents in Aseer region. Data were collected through a questionnaire developed by the researcher, which included four parts: demographic data, weight and height measurements, smoking history, and physical exercise using General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire. The researcher met all the respondents and measured their weight and height, then every subject was asked to fill the self-administered questionnaire.
Result: Of 255 invited residents, a response rate of 82.7% was obtained. The mean age of the respondents was found to be 27.9 ± 2.6 years. Almost two-thirds of them (66.8%) were men. Majority of them (96.2%) were Saudis. Overweight and obesity were reported among 36% and 23.2% residents, respectively. Obesity was more significantly reported among male than female resident physicians (31.9% versus 7.1%), p < 0.001. Current smoking (with its all types) was reported by 10.4% respondent physicians. Male residents were more significant smokers than female residents (14.3% versus 2.9%), p = 0.007. It is evident that physical inactivity and moderate inactivity were reported among 47.9% and 31.8% residents, respectively, whereas physical activity was reported among only 9.5% of them. Female residents reported more physical activity than male residents (17.1% versus 5.7%), p < 0.001.
Conclusion: Most of Saudi Board residents in Aseer region were either physically inactive or moderately inactive.
Key words: Physical activity, resident physicians, smoking, obesity
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