Perception about Less Physical Activity and its Effect among Service Holders in Dhaka City of Bangladesh

Abstract

Introduction: Physical activity has been traditionally defined as any bodily movement produced by contraction of skeletal muscle that substantially increases energy expenditure, although the intensity and duration can vary substantially. Lack of physical activity is known to be one of the most important risk factors for leading to morbidity and mortality around the world leading to an estimated 3.2 million deaths globally. Objectives: To assess perception about less physical activity and its effect among service holders in Dhaka city of Bangladesh. Methods: The study was conducted in Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, Kurmitola; Janata Bank Limited, Satmasjid Road Branch; Rayerbazar Government Primary School, Rayerbazar and six gyms (training centers) of Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 15 government workers and 15 key informants purposefully (trainers of physical activities) selected for in-depth interview. Socio-demographic data were entered into SPSS version 21. Thematic area were identified and analyzed based on the themes. Result: Total 30 study participants (15 Government office worker and 15 Key Informant) were interviewed. All participants have good perception of physical activities. 7 of workers are moderately physically active (fulfill globally recommended physical activity rate) with 150 minutes of physical activity performance per week. The rest 3 workers have insufficient physical activities which is less than 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Factor like laziness, overloaded by office work, lack of self-confidence in doing physical activity, lack of awareness about physical activity, place factor, poor time management, lack of communication and economic status of workers were found as behaviors or factors affecting doing of physical activities among government office workers. Conclusion and recommendations: There is high number of physical activity insufficiency among workers and there are large numbers of factors that affect physical activity doing of workers. Therefore, the government should work on these factors to make worker healthy and productive.