Abstract
BACKGROUND: More than 60% of the world’s population is not physically active. Physical inactivity affects all sectors of the population including among healthcare professionals (HCPs). The objective of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding the concept, benefits and health consequences of physical activity (PA) among HCPs in Suva, Fiji.
 
 METHODS: This quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted among HCPs in Suva, Fiji between 1 July 2017 and 22 September 2017. All available HCPs including doctors, nurses and paramedics who were willing to take part in the study were included. A validated self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the level of KAP regarding PA. Data was analysed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 25.
 
 RESULTS: 126 HCPs participated in this study with the majority being female (73.8%), in the age range of 33 – 42 years (47.6%), married (81.7%), from the nursing profession (54.0%) and within 0-5 years of experience (27.0%). The results showed that most of the participants (96.8%) had a high level of knowledge, positive attitudes (100%) and good practice (95%) regarding PA. 
 
 CONCLUSION: Although the study participants had high levels of knowledge and positive attitudes towards PA, it is important to promote their practice. Using tailored behavioural change theories that focus on perceived benefits and barriers of PA may help decision-makers to promote PA in the workplace and among HCPs in Fiji.
Highlights
Physical activity (PA) is any movement of the body that requires energy expenditure (Westerterp, 2013; World Health Organization (WHO) 2012)
Using tailored behavioural change theories that focus on perceived benefits and barriers of physical activity (PA) may help decision-makers to promote PA in the workplace and among healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Fiji
This study found that HCPs in Fiji had a high level of KAP regarding PA
Summary
Physical activity (PA) is any movement of the body that requires energy expenditure (Westerterp, 2013; WHO 2012). The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that more than 60% of the world’s population are not physically active enough to induce health benefits due to lifestyle choices (WHO, 2012). In most parts of the world, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become a major health challenge, partially because of rapid changes in lifestyle, leading to reduced PA and changing diets and an increase in sedentary behaviour. This trend is present in all societies, rich and poor, developed and developing. Low levels of PA can increase the risk factors for NCDs including coronary heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, osteoporosis, depression and anxiety (WHO, 2012). The objective of this study was to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding the concept, benefits and health consequences of physical activity (PA) among HCPs in Suva, Fiji
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