Comparison of Physical Activity and Dietary Habits among Clinical and Non-clinical Side Doctors

• Published in: Pakistan journal of medical research Vol. 60; no. 2; p. 69
• Main Authors: Muhammad Abdullah Ijaz, Abeera Ijaz, Muhammad Muneeb Ijaz, Mahnoor Khalid, Jawad Akhtar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Knowledge Bylanes 30-06-2021; Health Research Institute (HRI), National Institute of Health (NIH)
• Subjects: Cancer; Cardiovascular diseases; Communicable diseases; dietary habits; doctor’s lifestyle; Exercise; Health aspects; Mortality; Muscles; Oncology, Experimental; Osteoarthritis; physical activity; Physicians; physician’s health; Public health
• ISSN: 0030-9842

Objective: To compare the level of physical activity and dietary habits of doctors working in clinical and basic sciences disciplines  to assess the risk of getting diseases. Study type, settings & duration: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Multan Medical and Dental College and Ibn-e-Sina Hospital and Research Institute, Multan from October to December 2019. Methodology: Self-administered questionnaire was used to inquire physical and dietary behavior. Metabolic Equivalent of task MET-minutes were determined using CDC and WHO guidelines i.e. individuals with ≤600 MET-minutes per week were considered inactive. Waist to Hip ratio was measured to determine high risk participants. Results: A total of 97 doctors from both disciplines participated with 36 males (37.1%) and 61 females(62.9%).  Overall 52.6% (N=51) of participants described doing physical activity. Further 45.1% (N=23) of Basic Side (BS) and 54.9% (N=28) Clinical Side (CS) doctors were physically active in their leisure time. Only 35.5% of BS and 35.1% of CS advised their students and patients almost daily, to perform physical exercises. Almost 67.5% of basic side and 70.2% of clinical side doctors were not taking balanced diet.  Further 37.9% of BS and 43.9% of CS doctors reported having fast food 3 to 4 times a week. 55% of BS and 47.4% of CS were physical inactive. Waist to hip ratio (W:H) indicated overall 41.2% sample was  at high risk for getting metabolic diseases. Conclusion: Most doctors didn’t meet WHO guideline of physical activity and were having imbalanced diet and have sedentary life style.