Physical Inactivity and Doctor-diagnosed Arthritis among Kitchen Workers in Jos

Physical inactivity is a global pandemic and a significant risk factor for non-communicable diseases. The World Health Organisation (WHO) African region reports that physical inactivity is responsible for over 200,000 deaths annually. Studies on its relationship with arthritis are sparse in this region. This study was conducted to determine the level of physical inactivity and its association with doctor diagnosed arthritis among kitchen workers in Jos, Nigeria.

This cross-sectional study was carried out among secondary school kitchen workers in Jos. All participants completed a structured questionnaire that captured their socio-demographic data, medical history, and Leisure Time Physical Activity (LTPA) history. In the medical history, they were to report whether they had been diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, or arthritis by a medical doctor. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and fasting lipid profile were taken. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed using the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)Adult Treatment Panel III definition. Data were analysed using STATA 14.2. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant in all cases.

There were 116 participants with a mean (SD) age of 45(9) years and composed of 78.5% females. Seventy-six (65.6%) participants 2 were classified as inactive, with women significantly more inactive (χ 9.18, p=0.002). Doctor-diagnosed arthritis was reported by 50.9%, while 30.2%, 6.9%, and 48.3% had hypertension, diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome, respectively. Among the 59 participants with doctor-diagnosed arthritis, 52 (88.1%) were females, and 48 (63.2%) were classified as inactive. Those with doctor-diagnosed arthritis had more than four times higher odds of physical inactivity (OR 4.51, 95% CI:1.95 - 10.42, p<0.001) than those without arthritis. Female sex (OR 7.1, 95%CI: 2.00-25.65, p=0.002), metabolic syndrome (OR 4.03, 95%CI: 1.83 - 8.86, p=0.001) and increasing BMI were independent determinants of physical inactivity in participants with doctor-diagnosed arthritis.

Physical inactivity is high among kitchen workers, particularly among females with a history of doctor-diagnosed arthritis. There is a need to increase investments in a community-based and workplace-related exercise program, and this should be done with considerations for gender equity and inclusiveness.