LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG UNIVERSITY GOING MEDICAL STUDENTS WITH CONSTIPATION

Abstract

Background: Constipation is a common gastrointestinal condition affecting approximately 16.2% of the population and significantly impairing quality of life. It is multifactorial in origin, with female gender, poor diet, psychological stress, and physical inactivity identified as key contributors. Among university students—particularly those in demanding academic environments—sedentary behavior has been increasingly linked to constipation, yet remains an underexplored factor in clinical prevention strategies.

Objective: To determine the level of physical activity among university-going medical students with constipation.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over six months (June to December 2023) involving 313 medical students aged 17–25 years from three medical colleges in Lahore. Participants clinically diagnosed with constipation were selected using non-probability convenience sampling. Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form (IPAQ-SF), reporting activity in MET-minutes/week. Constipation severity was evaluated through the Constipation Scoring System (CSS), with scores ranging from 0 (normal) to 30 (severe constipation). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Descriptive statistics, including frequency and percentages, were used to report the findings.

Results: Of the 313 students, 162 (51.8%) were physically inactive, 107 (34.2%) were minimally active, and only 44 (14.1%) were active. Among 82 students with mild constipation, 23 were inactive, 34 minimally active, and 25 active. In moderate cases (n = 106), 47 were inactive, 45 minimally active, and 14 active. For severe constipation (n = 108), 81 were inactive, 23 minimally active, and 4 active. Among 17 students with very severe constipation, 11 were inactive, 5 minimally active, and 1 was active.

Conclusion: The study found that most medical students suffering from constipation had low levels of physical activity, highlighting physical inactivity as a contributing factor in constipation severity.