title: Determinants of university students physical exercise: a study from Lebanon.
abstract: 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. Chi-square 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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors: Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Cairo street, Beirut, Lebanon. um00@aub.edu.lb.
authors: Umayya
authors: U
authors: Musharrafieh
authors: Hani M
authors: HM
authors: Tamim
authors: Amal C
authors: AC
authors: Rahi
authors: Maria Atoui
authors: MA
authors: El-Hajj
authors: Ban
authors: B
authors: Al-Sahab
authors: Khalil
authors: K
authors: El-Asmar
authors: Hala M
authors: HM
authors: Tamim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007861:Lebanon; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012737:Sex Factors; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015431:Weight Loss