Factors associated with physical inactivity among health staff in a government department in Putrajaya

Introduction: Physical inactivity has been recognized as the fourth leading risk factor for mortality worldwide. Individuals who are physically inactive has increased risk 20% to 30% to die prematurely. Individuals who fulfil the minimum recommendation of physical activity can prevent the development of noncommunicable diseases. In 2015, 33.5% of the Malaysian adults were reported to be physically inactive. Various factors are found to be associated with physical inactivity participation and these factors need to be explored. Objective: To assess the level of physical inactivity and its associated factors among health staff in the Department of Public Health in the Ministry of Health Malaysia Headquarters (MOH HQ), Putrajaya. Methodology: A cross-sectional study based on proportionate simple random sampling was conducted in the Department of Public Health in the MOH HQ, Putrajaya. A total of 310 respondents were sampled according to the proportion from five divisions and data were collected using self-administered questionnaire consist of sociodemographic, smoking status, occupational, health status and physical activity level. Chi-square, Independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression in IBM SPSS Version 22.0 were used to analyzed the data. Result: The respond rate was 97.7% (303 out of 310). The prevalence of physical inactivity among respondents was 37.6%. The predictors for physical inactivity were smoker/ex-smoker (p =0.027, aOR =2.308), certificate/diploma education (p = 0.008, aOR =2.135), personal barrier (p =0.017, aOR =1.055) and social environment barrier (p =0.025, aOR =1.106). Common personal barriers reported include lack of self-discipline and causes muscle and joint pain. Meanwhile, common social environment barriers reported were don’t have free time and don’t have a company. Conclusion: The prevalence of physical inactivity among staff was almost similar to the national level (33.5%). Individual that has the higher chance of being physically inactive include those with certificate or diploma education and smokers or ex-smokers. Those with personal barriers (such as lack of self-discipline and cause muscle and joint pain) and social environment barriers (including don’t have free time and don’t have a company) also has higher possibility of being physically inactive. Thus, appropriate health intervention should be developed by taking these factors into consideration in order to promote physical activity among the health staff.

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