Physical activity and psychological well-being among physiotherapy degree students in UiTM Selangor, Puncak Alam Campus: A cross sectional study

Abstract

There is strong evidence that suggests the importance and benefits of physical activity for university students such as it enhances the psychological well-being of the students. The study objectives were (i) To identify the physical activity (PA) level among physiotherapy degree
students. (ii) To determine the level of psychological well-being (PWB) among physiotherapy degree students. (iii) To examine the relationship between physical activity and psychological well-being among physiotherapy degree students in UiTM Puncak Alam Campus. Participants
were 109 physiotherapy students (male n =4; female n = 105) age between 19 and 25 years old (M = 21.56 , SD = 1.512 ). Self-administered questionnaires which are International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Psychological Well-Being Index (PGWBI) were used. 33.9% of the participants demonstrated low physical activity level, 34.9% and 31.2% showed moderate and high physical activity level respectively. 62.3% of the participants demonstrated severe and moderate psychological distress which show an alarming sign about students‟ well-being while
37.6% of the students showed being positive. A non-significant negative association between PA and PWB was found in the study. Physiotherapy degree students demonstrated a good level of physical activity. However, psychological distress among the students needs to be given attention.