Assessing the Impacts of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Perceived Stress Among Undergraduate Medical Students in Pakistan

Detailed Description

This observational, cross-sectional study investigates the relationship between physical activity and its effects on mental health and perceived stress among undergraduate medical students in Pakistan. The study aims to determine whether engaging in regular physical activity can improve psychological well-being and reduce perceived stress in this population, which is known to face significant academic and personal stressors during their medical education.

Study Objectives and Rationale

Medical students encounter a variety of stressors, including demanding coursework, clinical responsibilities, and personal challenges. This study aims to provide a quantitative assessment of how physical activity can mitigate these stressors and improve mental health outcomes. It hypothesizes that students engaging in higher levels of physical activity will exhibit better mental health and lower perceived stress.

Study Design and Methodology

Study Design:

Observational, cross-sectional study. Data collected at a single time point using validated self-reported questionnaires.

Study Setting:

The study was conducted in both public and private medical colleges across Pakistan, providing a diverse sample of participants.

Data Collection Tools:

International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-7): Used to measure physical activity levels, categorized as low, moderate, or high based on MET-minutes per week. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10): Used to quantify perceived stress levels. Scores are categorized as low (0-13), moderate (14-26), and high (27-40). Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18): Measures psychological distress, including somatization, depression, and anxiety, with a composite Global Severity Index (GSI).

Data Collection Procedure:

Participants were invited to complete online surveys distributed via Google Forms. Data collected included demographic information, physical activity habits (frequency, intensity, duration), stress levels, and mental health status. All participants provided informed consent, and confidentiality was maintained throughout the study.

Data Analysis Plan:

Descriptive statistics: Used to summarize participant demographics, activity levels, and mental health profiles. Inferential statistics: Chi-square tests to assess associations between physical activity levels and stress/mental health outcomes. Regression analysis to examine the predictive role of physical activity on mental health and perceived stress, adjusting for confounding factors such as age, gender, and academic year.

Study Duration:

The study was conducted over six months, with data collection completed within this timeframe. Key Technical Considerations The IPAQ-7 questionnaire quantifies physical activity in MET-minutes per week, allowing categorization into low (<600 MET-minutes/week), moderate (600-3000 MET-minutes/week), and high (>3000 MET-minutes/week) activity levels. The BSI-18 generates individual scores for somatization, depression, and anxiety, and calculates a composite GSI score (range: 0-72), where higher scores indicate greater psychological distress. Statistical analysis will control for potential confounders, ensuring robust interpretation of results. Significance and Potential Impact

This study will provide evidence on how physical activity can improve mental health and reduce stress among medical students in Pakistan, a population particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges. Findings may inform the development of interventions and institutional policies that integrate physical activity into student support systems to promote psychological well-being and academic success.

Inclusion criteria

• Undergraduate medical students from any academic year.
• Students who are willing to participate and provide informed consent.
• Students who engage in physical activity (any frequency or duration) within the last month

Exclusion criteria

• Students who do not provide informed consent.
• Students with physical disabilities or medical conditions that prevent participation in physical activity (e.g., severe cardiovascular conditions, musculoskeletal disorders).
• Students with a diagnosed mental health disorder that may interfere with the study's focus on stress and mental health (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder).
• Students with language barriers.