Pattern and Correlates of Physical Activity Among Nurses from Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: Physical inactivity is considered as one of the important modifiable risk factor for noncommunicable diseases. Nurses play an important role in the healthcare system. Long working hours could be stressful physically and psychologically demanding patient care. Considering these, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the pattern and correlates of physical activity among nurses. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 125 nurses working in Krishna Hospital and Medical Research Center, Karad. Practice of physical activity was collected using Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) which measured the physical activity in metabolic equivalent hours per week. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 20. Results: Total 125 nurses participated in the study out of which 119 (95.2%) were females and six (4.8%) were males. Moderate level of physical activity was seen in 77.6% of participants, 16.0% showed low level of physical activity, and vigorous levels of physical activity were seen in 6.4% of participants. A statistically significant association was observed between physical activity and age. Conclusion: Majority of nurses were involved in moderate-intensity physical activity. Age appeared to be a determining factor for participation in physical activity.