Status of Physical Activity and Associated Factors among Secondary School Teachers in Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally, with physical inactivity as a significant risk factor. In Nepal, lifestyle-related health issues are rising, necessitating an understanding of physical activity patterns in specific groups like secondary school teachers. This study aims to assess the status of physical activity and associated factors among secondary school teachers in Pokhara, Nepal.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to April 2023 among 406 secondary school teachers in Pokhara. Physical activity was measured using the IPAQ-long form, and other variables were collected through self-administered questionnaires. Univariate and bivariate analyses were followed by logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for factors associated with moderate and high physical activity.

Most participants were male (53%) and Brahmins/Chhetris (69.2%), with a mean age of 38.65 years. The majority (86.3%) met WHO physical activity guidelines, with 65.3% reporting moderate and 21.5% high activity levels. Higher physical activity was associated with being male (aOR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.11-4.35), higher education (aOR: 2.88, 95% CI: 1.45-5.73), walking while teaching (aOR: 9.13, 95% CI: 4.20-19.87), and access to walking areas (aOR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.12-4.62).

Male teachers, those with higher education, and those who walked while teaching were more likely to engage in higher physical activity. Access to walking-friendly environments also positively influenced activity levels. Promoting walking friendly spaces and addressing educational and occupational factors could enhance physical activity among teachers. Keyword: Cardiovascular disease; international physical activity questionnaire; metabolic equivalents.