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Physical Activity Level among Physicians of the Philippine General Hospital during the COVID-19 Pandemic Crisis: A
Myrielle Marie D Madayag1, Sharon D Ignacio1
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a decrease in physical activity among physicians, with many shifting to a more sedentary lifestyle. Factors like energy levels and motivation influenced these changes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated global lockdowns and quarantine measures, significantly altering daily routines and social behaviors.
- Reduced physical activity became a widespread consequence, impacting various population segments, including healthcare professionals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess and compare the physical activity levels of physicians before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To identify factors influencing physical activity changes among physicians during the pandemic.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 422 physicians from the Philippine General Hospital.
- Data collection utilized a self-administered questionnaire to capture lifestyle and activity patterns.
Main Results:
- A significant percentage of physicians (42.4-57.11%) transitioned from physically active to sedentary lifestyles during the pandemic.
- While on-the-job activity levels remained stable, travel and recreational physical activities decreased.
- Factors such as lack of energy, fear of injury, skill deficits, resource limitations, social influences, and support-seeking behaviors were identified as significant influencers.
Conclusions:
- The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a decline in overall physical activity among physicians.
- Understanding the motivational factors behind physical activity changes is crucial for health worker well-being.
- Hospitals should develop guidelines to promote and maintain physical activity among medical staff, particularly during health crises.
Introduction:
COVID-19 is a pandemic that shut down businesses and industries worldwide. The spread of the disease changed social behavior as residents around the world were obliged to endure lockdown and quarantine measures, reducing their physical activity.
Objective:
To determine the level of physical activity before and during the pandemic among physicians.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was carried out on 422 qualified physicians of the Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila. The data was obtained from a self-administered questionnaire.
Results:
Results of the study revealed a shift of lifestyle from physically active to sedentary in 42.4-57.11% of the respondents during the pandemic. There was no change between the activity levels at work before and during COVID while there was a change in the travel and recreational activities. The results also showed that significant factors including lack of energy, fear of injury, lack of skill, resources, social influences, support seeking activities, and positive alternatives affected their activity levels.
Conclusion:
During the pandemic, overall physical activity level decreased. Similarly, factors that motivate health workers to be physically active or sedentary during the COVID-19 pandemic can affect their physical activity levels. Based on this study, the hospital can create guidelines to ensure physical activity among its doctors, especially during a pandemic.
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