Physical Activity Levels and Lifestyle Behaviors among Allied Health Science Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Physical inactivity and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors are increasingly common among university students and are associated with an elevated risk of non-communicable diseases. However, evidence focusing specifically on Allied Health Science students in low- and middle-income countries remains limited. Objectives: To assess physical activity levels and associated lifestyle behaviors among Allied Health Science students in Lahore and to examine the co-occurrence of physical inactivity with adverse lifestyle patterns. Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 160 Allied Health Science students enrolled in selected institutes in Lahore. Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form and categorized as low, moderate, or high. Lifestyle behaviors, including dietary patterns, sleep duration, screen time, and smoking status, were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics. Associations between physical activity levels and lifestyle behaviors were examined using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for age and gender. Results: Among the participants, 27.5% reported low physical activity, 56.3% moderate activity, and 16.2% high activity levels. Low physical activity was significantly associated with unhealthy dietary patterns (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–4.18), sleep duration of less than six hours per night (AOR 2.89; 95% CI 1.42–5.88), and daily screen time of four or more hours (AOR 3.11; 95% CI 1.45–6.66). Gender was not independently associated with physical activity level. Conclusion: A considerable proportion of Allied Health Science students in Lahore exhibit physical inactivity accompanied by multiple adverse lifestyle behaviors. These findings highlight the need for integrated, institution-based health promotion and lifestyle modification programs targeting physical activity, sleep hygiene, and healthy dietary practices among university students.