1031 - Assessing physical activity in healthcare workers

Objectives: to assess physical activity and sedentary behaviours among healthcare staff at a university hospital in Tunisia.

Design: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a university hospital in Tunisia between July and August 2023. Data were collected by a self-administered questionnaire to healthcare staff, and the GPAQ (Global Physical Activity Questionnaire) was used to assess physical activity.

Results: One hundred medical staff were included in our study, 40% of whom were doctors, 20% nurses and 20% laboratory technicians.

The average age was 38 years (21-57), with a female predominance of 68%, and the average working week was 50 hours. The average BMI of the participants was 26± 4 Kg/m2 and 30% had musculoskeletal disorders.

sixty percent of our population practised sport, with 90% of the healthcare professionals surveyed achieving a high or moderate level of PA (energy expenditure >600 METs.min/week). However, only 50% had a recommended level of PA, and 6% were sedentary.

Median energy expenditure was 3900 METs, 57% of which was spent on work-related activities, 40% on leisure activities and 10% on active transport.

We found a statistically significant correlation between a moderate to low level of physical activity and increased working hours, a history of musculoskeletal disorders and overweight (p< 0.05).

Conclusions: Despite their diplomas and knowledge, only 50% of them were exemplary, although 90% of participants had a moderate or high level of physical activity.

As the promotion of physical activity is a OMS-2030 global policy, it is important to assess the level of physical activity among healthcare personnel, as well as the barriers to this promotion, in order to set an example for the general population.