Physical Activity Pattern among Students of Health Sciences in Yogyakarta

Background: Insufficient physical activity (PA) causes health problems globally. The information related to lack of physical activity among university students in Yogyakarta is still limited. Thus, it is important to monitor the pattern of physical activity as a part of health promotion efforts. This study aimed to provide information physical activity pattern among health science students in Yogyakarta. Subjects and Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Faculty of Health Science, X University, Yogyakarta. A total of 112 students was enrolled in this study. The variables in this study were student’s characteristic, sedentary behavior, and physical activity. The data was taken by using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) form, categorized as low activity (<600 METs), medium activity (600-3000 METs,) and high activity (>3000 METs). The data were analayzed descriptively. Results: Total of 61 students (54.4%) had low PA activity. Male were more active than female (Mean= 186.56; SD= 220.57) with METs and duration per minute per week were low (Mean= 49.51; SD= 298.90). There was a positive relationship between age, gender, and sedentary behavior, and they were statisticatlly significant. Conclusion: There is a positive relationship between age, gender, and sedentary behavior. In order to increase interest, institutions need to carry out socialization and increase the implementation of active campus programs that can be regulated in rules / regulations to be more active. In this way, a supportive environment for the control of non-communicable diseases and mental health is achieved. Keywords: physical activity, sedentary, health sciences students, health promotion Correspondence: Indriani. Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, Universitas Aisyiyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Email: indriani@unisayogya.ac.idmobile: +6282137645299. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26911/the7thicph.02.10