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Physical Activity Participation and Mental Wellbeing Among Hospital Nurses in Nigeria
Deborah Tolulope Idowu
Student: Liverpool John Moore University (UNICAF), Nigeria
Background and Purpose: Healthcare professionals are exposed to demanding work conditions and occupational stress, which can have a negative effect on their mental wellbeing. The promotion of workplace physical activity for healthcare professionals in low- and middle-income countries is limited, highlighting the need for further research in this context. Promoting health-enhancing physical activity within the workplace of healthcare professionals can result in a positive impact on health outcomes. This study was conducted to measure the level of physical activity among hospital nurses, the association with their mental wellbeing, and the barriers to engaging in workplace physical activity.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 nurses working in tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. The research instrument used to collect data was a structured questionnaire that measured the level of physical activity, workplace support for physical activity, and the wellbeing of the nurses using a wellbeing scale.
Results: Approximately 26% of participants met the recommended level of physical activity. Nurses who engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity reported significantly higher levels of mental wellbeing compared with those who were less physically active. The most commonly reported barriers to physical activity included long working hours, fatigue after work shifts, and limited access to exercise facilities within the workplace.
Conclusions: Promotion of physical activity among healthcare work environments could help to improve the wellbeing of the staff. This could result in a healthy workforce.
