Sedentary behaviour and physical activity levels in employees of Khyber Medical University Peshawar

Abstract

Introduction: The increase in sedentary behaviour and decrease in physical activity levels are some of the contributing factors to many of the non-communicable diseases. These non-communicable diseases included obesity, type-II diabetes and cardiovascular problems. Apart from causing financial burden on health care system, these diseases have been reported to cause nearly 1.9 million premature deaths per year. The aim of the study was to measure sedentary behaviour and physical activity levels among employees of Khyber Medical University, Peshawar.

Material & Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on employees of Khyber Medical University, Peshawar. The total sample size was 172 and the data was collected through convenience sampling by using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) long form. This questionnaire measures physical activity levels and sedentary behaviour at work.

Results: Out of 172 participants, 154 (89.5%) were male and 18 (10.4%) were female with a mean age of 34.4 ± 2 years. According to the levels of physical activity, 49 (28.5%) were less active, 63 (36.6%) were moderately active and 60 (34.9%) were highly active. The average time spent by the participants for sitting was (8.93 ± 2.35) hours per day. A total of 73.8%, 23.3 % and 2.9% participants could be categorised as having high, moderate and low sedentary behaviour, respectively.

Conclusion: Majority of the participants (two-thirds of the participants) demonstrated a high sedentary behaviour and therefore, needed modification in their daily routine.