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Physical Activity Patterns and Lifestyle Habits Among Primary Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author

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  • Audrey Lehlohonolo Mashita

    (Department of Public Health, University of Limpopo, Polokwane 0727, South Africa)

  • Mabitsela Hezekiel Mphasha

    (Department of Public Health, University of Limpopo, Polokwane 0727, South Africa)

  • Linda Skaal

    (Department of Public Health, Sefako Makgatho University, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, South Africa)

Abstract

Background: Primary healthcare workers (PHCWs) serve as critical contributors to public health, yet their physical activity (PA) patterns and lifestyle habits often reflect the very challenges they address in their patients. The aim of this study is to determine the PA patterns and lifestyle habits among PHCWs in the Lepelle-Nkumpi sub-district of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methodology: A quantitative, cross-sectional design with stratified random sampling ( n = 174) was used. A validated, closed-ended questionnaire assessed demographic data and occupational and leisure-time physical activity. Data were analysed using SPSS version 28, with descriptive statistics summarising characteristics. Chi-square tests identified significant associations ( p < 0.05) between lifestyle scores (poor, good, excellent) and demographic factors. Results: The majority of the participants (53%) reported engaging in shorter walking durations during work, with only 7.5% of the participating engaging in moderate physical activity and 39.7% achieving 30 min or more of activity. Additionally, 59.8% do not use walking or cycling for transportation, while only 27% do so for at least 30 min daily. During leisure time, 33.9% of the participants engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activities, with 37.9% spending 30 min or more on such activities daily. Nearly two-thirds of the participants (65.5%) had poor lifestyle scores (0–50%), while 23.6% achieved excellent scores (81–100%). Significant associations were found between gender and lifestyle scores ( p = 0.022). Conclusion: This study reveals critical gaps in the physical activity levels of PHCWs, with low engagement in moderate activity during work and limited active commuting. This study underscores the need for workplace wellness interventions, such as walking meetings and fitness facilities, to boost physical activity among healthcare workers, enhancing their health, resilience, and the quality of care they provide.

Suggested Citation

  • Audrey Lehlohonolo Mashita & Mabitsela Hezekiel Mphasha & Linda Skaal, 2025. "Physical Activity Patterns and Lifestyle Habits Among Primary Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(3), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:3:p:323-:d:1596888
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Helia Carmen Peris-Ramos & María Carreira Míguez & Stephanie Rodriguez-Besteiro & Susana David-Fernandez & Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez, 2024. "Gender-Based Differences in Psychological, Nutritional, Physical Activity, and Oral Health Factors Associated with Stress in Teachers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(4), pages 1-16, March.
    2. Louise H Hall & Judith Johnson & Ian Watt & Anastasia Tsipa & Daryl B O’Connor, 2016. "Healthcare Staff Wellbeing, Burnout, and Patient Safety: A Systematic Review," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(7), pages 1-12, July.
    3. Carla Barros & Pilar Baylina, 2024. "Disclosing Strain: How Psychosocial Risk Factors Influence Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Healthcare Workers Preceding and during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(5), pages 1-12, April.
    4. Andrzej Piotrowski & Ewa Sygit-Kowalkowska & Ole Boe & Samir Rawat, 2022. "Resilience, Occupational Stress, Job Satisfaction, and Intention to Leave the Organization among Nurses and Midwives during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-16, June.
    5. Ayazullah Safi & Matthew Cole & Adam L. Kelly & Mohammed Gulrez Zariwala & Natalie C. Walker, 2022. "Workplace Physical Activity Barriers and Facilitators: A Qualitative Study Based on Employees Physical Activity Levels," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-16, August.
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