Physical Activity and Sedentary Lifestyle among Diabetes Healthcare Providers in Nigeria: Time to Examine the Examiners

• Main Authors: Ejiofor Ugwu, Bede Nnolim, David Soyoye, Marcellinus Nkpozi, Joseph Ojobi, Michael Abonyi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited 2019-10-01
• Series: Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research
• Subjects: moderate exercise; non-communicable disease; sitting time; vigorous exercise; walking
• Online Access: https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/13198/42468_CE[Ra1]_F(SHU)_PF1_(PoG_SL)_PN(SL).pdf

Introduction: Diabetes Healthcare Providers (DHPs) are notable advocates of increased Physical Activity (PA) as a veritable means of preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus and related noncommunicable diseases. However, the extent to which the DHPs themselves comply with this important lifestyle habit is not known. Aim: To evaluate PA and sedentary living among DHPs in Nigeria and identify some determinants of PA in this population. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, PA was assessed using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF). Besides socio-demographic and anthropometric indices, participants were asked about frequency and duration of engagements in vigorous PA, moderate PA, walking and average sitting time, in the past 7 days. Data were analysed using Chi-square, t-test, Spearman’s test of correlation and logistic regression statistics on SPSS version 23. Results: One hundred and eight subjects (63% males), with a mean age of 42.1±7.7 years, participated in the study. Although 86% of the participants were adjudged physically active, the intensity of PA was low in 52.8% and 74.1% did not meet the World Health Organisation recommended target for adequate PA. A significant negative correlation was observed between intensity of PA and Body Mass Index (BMI) while sitting time positively correlated with BMI. BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and higher professional cadre were significant independent predictors of low PA. Conclusion: Nearly three-quarter of DHPs in Nigeria do not engage in sufficient PA. This observation calls to question their ascribed status as role models of healthy lifestyles and may portend increased health risks among this important group of healthcare workforce. There is a significant inverse relationship between PA and BMI as well as professional cadre.