Abstract
BackgroundHealth professionals have a role to play in the promotion of physical activity in order to prevent the ever-increasing burden of diseases associated with physical inactivity. Determination of the level of physical activity amongst health professionals managing patients presenting with various lifestyle-related conditions is most pertinent.ObjectThe purpose of the present study was to ascertain the level of physical activity of health professionals at Estcourt Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal Province.MethodA cross-sectional survey of 109 health professionals was conducted over a period of three consecutive weeks in 2012. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and other related data such as socio-demographic characteristics was used to collect data. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics to determine relationships between variables. An analysis guide was used to determine the level of physical activity with reference to the GPAQ guidelines recommended by the Word Health Organization using the metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-minutes per week indicators.ResultsThe overall level of physical activity was: 31% of participants were high, with MET-minutes/week ≥ 3000; 29% were moderate, with MET-minutes/week ≥ 600; and 40% were low, with MET-minutes/week < 600. Although black women predominantly reported low levels of physical activity, age was found to be significantly related to the level of physical activity (p = 0.000, r = −0.637).ConclusionAn intervention to promote physical activity amongst health professionals is essential to promote healthy living.
Highlights
Physical inactivity is one of the leading critical risk factors globally for lifestyle-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) (World Health Organization [WHO] 2004)
A cross-sectional survey requesting retrospective information was conducted over a period of three consecutive weeks in November 2012 to measure the level of physical activity amongst Estcourt Hospital health professionals
The results of the present study revealed low levels of physical activity amongst Estcourt Hospital health professionals when assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ)
Summary
Physical inactivity is one of the leading critical risk factors globally for lifestyle-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) (World Health Organization [WHO] 2004). It is important for individuals to ensure that a sufficient intensity of regular physical activity is performed to maintain good health, physical functioning and work activity of a high standard (Lahti et al 2010). A number of health benefits are generally associated with physical activity These benefits are evident when an individual adheres to exercise principles such as appropriate frequency, duration and intensity of exercise (Lambert & Kolbe-Alexande 2005). Exercise, such as regular aerobic physical activity and strengthening of the musculoskeletal system, has been recommended to improve cardiovascular fitness (Haskell, Bair & Hill 2009). Determination of the level of physical activity amongst health professionals managing patients presenting with various lifestyle-related conditions is most pertinent.
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