Physical Activity Profile of Medical Practitioners: A Preliminary Cross-sectional Study in Kano, Northwest Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Insufficient physical activity (PA) is a recognized risk factor for noncommunicable diseases. Evaluating health‑care workers’
PA is crucial because PA impacts their health, and they are important health promotion agents. Hence, this study assessed the PA profile
of medical practitioners in Kano, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross‑sectional study involving 178 medical practitioners selected from attendees of a 1‑day  continuing‑medical‑education lecture, using a modified physical activity assessment tool. It assessed the moderate‑ and vigorous‑intensity PAs performed, PAs’ sufficiency, their plan and confidence of increasing PA, and factors associated with performing sufficient PA. Chi‑square test and logistic regression analysis were employed in determining the association between variables and sufficient PA and predictors of sufficient PA, respectively. Results: Respondents’ mean age was 37.5 ± 9.5 years; they were predominantly males (133, 74.7%). They spent a median (interquartile range [IQR]) of 65.0 (22.5–165.0) minutes per week on moderate‑intensity activities and median metabolic equivalent‑minutes/week (IQR) of 400.0 (120.0–1140.0). Most respondents (119, 66.8%) had engaged in PA in the past 5–6 months or intended to become more physically active in the next six months. Most (155, 87.1%) had some level of confidence in increasing their PA levels. The association between respondents’ sociodemographic variables and sufficient PA was statistically insignificant.
However, engagement in moderate‑intensity housework (odds ratio [OR] = 2.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.15–4.96, P = 0.02) and
aerobic exercises (OR = 11.57, 95% CI = 1.29–103.63, P = 0.03) increased the odds of attaining sufficient PA.

Conclusion: Sufficient PA prevalence among respondents was low. Engagement in moderate‑intensity housework and aerobic exercises were predictors of sufficient PA. Most respondents were motivated to become physically active in the future. Appropriate interventions are required to improve their PA levels.

Keywords: Aerobics, housework, medical practitioners, physical activity, physical activity assessment tool