Physical activity among physicians in Basrah city

Abstract EN

Regular physical activity has been associated with a wide range of physical and mental health benefit.

The practice of physical activity by physicians themselves, definitely motivate them to encourage others to practice healthy behavior in this and other contexts.

The objective of this study is to shade light on personal physical activity among physicians living, in Basrah : 256 physicians In Basrah city hospitals were selected randomly and asked to fill a self-administered questionnaire.

The response rate was 98 %.

Of the total participants physicians only 19 % were physically active on regular basis.

Time constraint seems to be the major contributing factor to inactivity.

Walking was the most important exercise practiced by the physicians (42.5 %).

There are a considerable number of physicians who did not know the relation between cancer and physical inactivity (87 %).

A curvilinear relationship was found between age and inactivity, with middle age group being the least active.

Conclusion : The proportion of physicians in Basrah who are at risk for inactivity Is very high.

Public polices are needed to encourage active living and discourage sedentary habits.