Knowledge, attitude and practice of physical activities among health personnel at Muhimbili National Hospital

Abstract

Background: Physical exercises describe all forms of muscle movement including sports, game, work, life style activities and exercises for fitness. In most parts of the world non-communicable diseases emerge as the major health challenge as a result of minimum physical exercise. Health personnel are important source of physical exercise information. The primary way to prevent the risk of developing chronic health problems such as diabetes mellitus, obesity and cardiovascular diseases is through counseling patients to engage in physical activities. Objectives: To assess knowledge, attitude and practice of physical exercise among health personnel at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), Tanzania. Method: The study design was a cross sectional study conducted among medical and dental practitioners, nurses, medical physiotherapists and nutritionists at MNH. Self administered questionnaire was used to assess knowledge attitude and practice (KAP) on physical activities in September 2018. Data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 20. Chi-square test was used (p<0.005). Results: A total of 340 health personnel participated in this study. About 65% of the study demonstrated good knowledge on physical activities. Good practice was observed in 68.8% of the interviewed subjects. Knowledge positively correlated with physical activities practice (p<0.05). Lack of time was one of the identified factors that hinder about 56% of health personnel participation into physical activities. Single participants demonstrated higher physical exercise practice. Conclusion and Recommendations: A significant number of health personnel demonstrated good knowledge and engaged in physical activities. Knowledge was found to be a significant attribute of physical activities practice. More advocacies need to be done to promote good knowledge and positive attitude towards physical activities. It is also recommended to conduct further studies to explore other mediators of physical activities among general population.