Physical Inactivity Prevalence and Determinants among Assiut University Students, Egypt

Background: Physical inactivity (PI) became an alarming epidemic. University students
are considered an interesting group for studying the prevalence and determinants of PI.
Interventions for promotion of healthy lifestyle, including physical activity in this group is
a way of ensuring a good physical and mental health not only as young adults but also
later in life. Objectives: This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of physical
inactivity and its determinants among Assiut university students. Method: A multistage
stratified cluster sampling was used to conduct a cross-sectional study among a
representative sample of Assiut University student (850 students). A self-administered
Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) was used to collect the data. Results:
Total respondents were 805 (95%). The mean age was 20.2±1.8 years old. Males represent
53.4% and the sample includes 56.5% of theoretical faculties students, 29.0% of practical
faculties and 14.5% of medical faculties. The prevalence of physical inactivity was 14.3%
(9.3% among males and 20.0% among females). The odds of physical inactivity are nearly
3 times more in females (CI= 1.707 – 4.719, p < 0.001). Also, the chance of physical
inactivity increased by 2.4 times among student of medical faculties (CI= 1.330 – 4.251, p
= 0.003) and nearly two times among students of practical faculties (CI= 1.170 – 3.129, p
= 0.019). Conclusion: Most of Assiut University students either moderately or highly
active and only 14.3% were physically inactive. Predictors of physical inactivity among
Assiut University students are being a female and student of medical or practical faculty.