Healthy lifestyle behaviors among field public health workers in a selected district of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background: Healthy lifestyle behaviors: diet, physical activity and non-consumption of tobacco and alcohol of health workers are important as they engage in educating the community and people follow them as role models. Objective of this study was to describe the healthy lifestyle practices among field public health workers in one of the districts in Sri Lanka. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the Galle district. 303 Public Health Midwives (PHMs) were taken to the sample and Lifestyle practices were assessed using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. Results: Overweight and obesity prevalence were 24% and 3.7% respectively. None of them used tobacco or alcohol. Regular balance diet consumption was 57%. 18.2% have consumed 2 or >2 servings of fruit per day. The majority (49.2%) consumed vegetables 3 times per day and 21.8% consumed four or >4 servings per day. 43.6% consumed Sugar and sugar containing food daily. Only 12.2% preferred low-salt food. 21.8% of PHMs consumed oily foods few times a day. The majority (56.8%) of PHMs have engaged in recommended moderate physical activity but only 6.9% engaged in vigorous physical activity. The mean duration of walking time was 463 minutes per week. Conclusions and recommendations: Most lifestyle practices (Dietary and physical activity) are not very healthy among PHMs except for their alcohol and smoking behaviors. Public health workers should be motivated to spend healthy lifestyles by increasing awareness and incorporating healthy lifestyle promotion programs into their routine field work.