Physical activity behaviours, knowledge, attitudes, and training needs among medical students in South Africa: a cross-sectional study.

backgroundWhile previous work has examined physical activity (PA) training in medical schools in high-income countries, little is known about PA training and related student attitudes and behaviours in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs). This study examined the PA knowledge, personal PA behaviours, attitudes toward PA promotion, and PA training needs of medical students at a major South African medical school across year of medical training.

methodsA paper-based questionnaire was administered in-person to medical students across all four years of the Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP) between April and September 2021. The questionnaire assessed students' personal PA behaviours, PA knowledge, attitudes toward PA promotion, and perceived PA training needs.

resultsA total of 536 medical students participated with response rates highest among first-year students and lower in later-year cohorts following COVID-19 related disruptions. Medical student PA levels were low overall (34.8% met WHO PA recommendations) and generally declined with increasing year in medical school (GEMP 1 to 3). Nearly all students recognised the importance of PA in disease prevention (98.1%) and future patient care (95.0%); however, objective PA knowledge was low - only 9.1% and 5.2% of all medical students correctly reported WHO PA recommendations and demonstrated knowledge of core exercise prescription principles, respectively. Most students (82.3%) also desired greater PA training with the medical school curriculum.

conclusionsThis study adds to the limited literature from LMIC settings demonstrating that medical students are interested in receiving PA training, recognise its importance in future clinical practice, but feel insufficiently prepared to counsel future patients.