- Alaa G Alolayan: Public Health, Ministry of Health, Jeddah, SAU.
- Salman Alsubhi: Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Disaster Managment and Crowd Health Care, Ministry of Health, Saudi Board of Preventive Medicine, Makkah, SAU.
BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is a significant global health concern and a major contributor to numerous non-communicable diseases. A focus on physical activity in healthcare services, particularly among healthcare professionals, is crucial.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore physical activity levels and influencing factors among physicians in Primary Healthcare Centers in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving physicians from Primary Healthcare Centers in Makkah. An online questionnaire was used to collect data, which included demographic factors and the General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ). Data were analyzed using the SPSS, version 29.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).
RESULTS: Of the 194 physicians included in the study, 25.3% were found to be inactive, 24.1% moderately inactive, 25.3% moderately active, and 25.3% active. There was no significant association between the Physical Activity Index and age, gender, nationality, income, having children, or job classification. However, marital status, Body Mass Index (BMI), smoking status, and the presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and depression were significantly associated with the Physical Activity Index (<0.05).
CONCLUSION: The study provides valuable insights into the physical activity levels among physicians in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The findings suggest the need for strategies to increase physical activity among physicians, particularly those who are single, overweight or obese, smokers, and those with certain health conditions.