Determinants of university students physical exercise: a study from Lebanon

Background: Studies to assess the patterns of physical exercise among University students in Lebanon are lacking. The current study looks at the prevalence of physical exercise among university students in Beirut and predictors of performing physical exercise. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a proportionate random sample of university students selected from five major universities were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire related to physical exercise, demographic, scholastic, and health risk behavioral characteristics. Physical exercise was divided into: "No"" (< 0.5 h) and "Yes" (> 0.5 h) per week. Chisquare tests and binary regression were conducted to determine the predictors of performing physical exercise. Results: Of 2,013 students, only 26.4 % engaged in physical exercise. Predictors of performing physical exercise for males, were adoption of exercise as the method of weight control, while for females, they were living abroad, drinking excessive alcohol, and adopting exercise for weight control. Conclusion: The prevalence of physical exercise among Lebanese university students is low. Weight control remains the most important predictor of physical activity in males and females.