Physical activity profile of senior civil servants in Lagos, Nigeria: need for effective strategies for improvement.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To investigate the profile of physical activity (PA) among Lagos State senior civil servants (LSCSs).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional survey in which 305 LSCSs (163 men, 142 women) with age range 25 65 years, in five ministries of the LSCS was carried out in May of 2011. The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) was used to assess respondents' PA at work, for transport, and during leisure time during the last 7 days.

RESULTS

Overall, 56.7% of the respondents (58.3% men and 54.9% women) were active; equivalent to 43.3% inactive respondents (41.7% men and 54.9% women). In spite of the high prevalence of physical inactivity in the women, gender was not significantly associated with PA levels (p = 0.718). However, the educational status and cadre of respondents were significantly associated with PA levels (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study showed that close to half of LSCSs were physically inactive. There was no significant difference between the PA levels of men and women but educational status and cadre were associated with the PA levels of respondents. The results provided by this study suggests the need for the Lagos State government and stakeholders to formulate polices, plan programmes and interventions for LSCSs to get more physically active.