Publication:

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

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.