Physical Exercise Pattern for Undergraduate Students and Its Importance in the Quality of Life, Well-Being, and Future Patient Orientation

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated physical activity (PA), physical exercise (PE), quality of life (QoL), PE barriers and benefits, contents learned about PA, and related factors of PE practice among undergraduate medical and nursing students. METHODS: This cross-sectional study conducted an online survey. We collected sociodemographic data and previous knowledge regarding PA/PE. We applied the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Well-being and Quality of Life Index (WHO-5), and scale of benefits and barriers for PE. We performed bivariate, univariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Participants who exercised were identified as “active” and “very active” by the IPAQ, had better health self-perception, higher general total metabolic equivalent, and higher WHO-5 scores, perceived more PE benefits than barriers, and desired more information about PA/PE. CONCLUSION: Undergraduate students should be encouraged to participate in PE. Adequate knowledge could be a resource they value and disseminate to their future patients.