Affiliations 

  • 1 Universiti Putra Malaysia
MyJurnal

Abstract

Introduction: Many Malaysians does not engage in regular physical activity. The objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with the level of physical activity among non-academics staff in the Faculty of Medicine
and Health Sciences (FMHS), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using a
self-administered questionnaire consisting socio-demographic, International Physical Activity Questionnaires (short
form) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) scales to measure the level of physical activity and association
with psychosocial and environmental factors. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee for Research
Involving Human Subjects (JKEUPM). Data was analysed using the SPSS 20.0. A p value of ≤ 0.05 was considered as
statistically significant. Results: The response rate was 84% or 120 respondents. 68 (56.7%) respondents was found
to have a good level of physical activity. Majority of them were women (70 [58.3%]), aged of < 33 years old (72
[60.0 %]), Malays (113 [94.2%]), and had tertiary education (81[67.5%]). There are significant associations between
socio-demographic factors [gender (p=0.013), age (p=0.025) and level of education (p=0.020)] and environmental
factor (performing physical activity at gymnasium (p=0.021)) with the level of physical activity on univariate analysis.
On multivariate logistic regression, lower educational level (OR 2.96, p=0.016) and performing physical activity at
gymnasium/sport centres (OR 4.66, p= 0.026) were associated with engaging with physical activity. Conclusion: Majority of the respondents have a good level of physical activity. Interventions should be planned for staffs otherwise
identified as not having a good level of physical activity.