Open Access
Research
Physical activity among medical students in Southern Thailand: a mixed methods study Apichai Wattanapisit, Krittanu Fungthongcharoen, Udomsak Saengow, Surasak Vijitpongjinda
To cite: Wattanapisit A, Fungthongcharoen K, Saengow U, et al. Physical activity among medical students in Southern Thailand: a mixed methods study. BMJ Open 2016;6: e013479. doi:10.1136/ bmjopen-2016-013479 ▸ Prepublication history for this paper is available online. To view these files please visit the journal online (http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/ bmjopen-2016-013479). Received 15 July 2016 Revised 29 August 2016 Accepted 8 September 2016
School of Medicine, Walailak University, Thasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand Correspondence to Dr Apichai Wattanapisit; [email protected]
ABSTRACT Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of physical activity (PA) and factors influencing PA behaviours among medical students in Southern Thailand. Design: The study implemented a mixed methods approach. The sequential design consisted of 2 phases: a survey followed by in-depth interviews. Setting: The study was conducted in the 3 campuses of a medical school in Southern Thailand. The preclinical students (years 1–3) studied general and basic science subjects at Nakhon Si Thammarat campus. The clinical students (years 4–6) received clinical training and hospital attachments at Trang or Phuket campuses. Total number of students was 285, with 46–48 students in each class. The study was conducted from September 2015 to February 2016. Participants: Participants were medical students, 18 years old and above, from 3 campuses without disabilities or medical conditions which limited their ability to perform PA. Outcome measures: The prevalence of the recommended levels of PA was measured using Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). The association between the demographic data and the recommended PA levels were analysed by univariate and multivariate analysis. In-depth interviews and thematic analysis were completed to explore PA behaviours. Results: A total of 279 (response rate 97.9%) medical students participated in the study. Approximately half (49.5%) of the participants were physically active. The median total energy use was 540 metabolic equivalent-min/week (range 0–5640). Male and preclinical students were more likely to be physically active ( p
Research
Physical activity among medical students in Southern Thailand: a mixed methods study Apichai Wattanapisit, Krittanu Fungthongcharoen, Udomsak Saengow, Surasak Vijitpongjinda
To cite: Wattanapisit A, Fungthongcharoen K, Saengow U, et al. Physical activity among medical students in Southern Thailand: a mixed methods study. BMJ Open 2016;6: e013479. doi:10.1136/ bmjopen-2016-013479 ▸ Prepublication history for this paper is available online. To view these files please visit the journal online (http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/ bmjopen-2016-013479). Received 15 July 2016 Revised 29 August 2016 Accepted 8 September 2016
School of Medicine, Walailak University, Thasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand Correspondence to Dr Apichai Wattanapisit; [email protected]
ABSTRACT Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of physical activity (PA) and factors influencing PA behaviours among medical students in Southern Thailand. Design: The study implemented a mixed methods approach. The sequential design consisted of 2 phases: a survey followed by in-depth interviews. Setting: The study was conducted in the 3 campuses of a medical school in Southern Thailand. The preclinical students (years 1–3) studied general and basic science subjects at Nakhon Si Thammarat campus. The clinical students (years 4–6) received clinical training and hospital attachments at Trang or Phuket campuses. Total number of students was 285, with 46–48 students in each class. The study was conducted from September 2015 to February 2016. Participants: Participants were medical students, 18 years old and above, from 3 campuses without disabilities or medical conditions which limited their ability to perform PA. Outcome measures: The prevalence of the recommended levels of PA was measured using Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). The association between the demographic data and the recommended PA levels were analysed by univariate and multivariate analysis. In-depth interviews and thematic analysis were completed to explore PA behaviours. Results: A total of 279 (response rate 97.9%) medical students participated in the study. Approximately half (49.5%) of the participants were physically active. The median total energy use was 540 metabolic equivalent-min/week (range 0–5640). Male and preclinical students were more likely to be physically active ( p
