Level of Physical Activity and Its Associated Factors among Primary Healthcare Workers in Perak, Malaysia

Abstract

Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle have been linked to the occurrence of non-communicable diseases. This study's purpose was to determine physical activity levels and sedentary behaviours among primary healthcare workers in Perak, Malaysia, as well as associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted at 12 health clinics in Perak, Malaysia, to determine physical activity levels, sedentary behaviours and factors associated with physical inactivity among primary healthcare workers. Each respondent completed a self-administered questionnaire relating to socio-demographic characteristics, including anthropometric measurements such as body mass index, waist circumference and body fat percentage, and the English and Malay version of the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. A total of 261 primary healthcare workers participated in this study; 45.6% were classified as physically inactive, spending a median of five hours daily engaged in sedentary behaviours. In terms of metabolic equivalent min per week, male workers had significantly higher physical activity than females. Self-reported health status and longer sitting times were significantly associated with physical inactivity. Logistic regression showed that poor health status was 1.84 times less likely to be associated with physical activity (p = 0.036, Confidence Interval = 1.04-3.24). Due to the high prevalence of physical inactivity, action is needed to increase physical activity among healthcare workers.

Keywords: GPAQ; Malaysia; leisure time; occupational; physical activity; primary healthcare workers; sedentary behaviours; transport-related.