Level of physical activity among nurses of tertiary hospital RIMS, Imphal

Abstract

Background: Physical activity has many health benefits to people of all ages and both sex. It lowers the risk for many diseases, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Nurses who engaged in regular exercise were more likely to encourage physical activity as a treatment than less physically active nurses. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of physical activity level among Nurses of RIMS, Imphal.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among all the working Nurses in RIMS, Imphal between October 2012 to September 2103, using self reported semi-structured Questionnaire. Chi- square test was used, P value of <0.05 was taken as significant.Results: Mean age of respondents was 35yrs ± 9. 34.3% watched TV for more than 3 hours but <4 hours, 7.7% never watched TV. 41.7% did household activities at home for 6-10 hours per week, 34% and 44.7% of them did not take care for babies and handicapped/Elderly at home. 57.2% went for food and groceries shopping for 6-11 hours per week. 42.5% reported sitting-light activity, 15% standing-moderate activity and 3.1% walking-heavy activity at work place.Conclusion: 1/3rd of the participants watched TV for more than 3 hours per day. A little less than half (41.7%) of respondents reported that they did household activities for more than 6-10 hours per week. About half of the respondents had reported sitting-light activity, 15% reported standing-moderate and 3.1% reported walking-heavy activity at work place.