The effect of job on lifestyle and physical inactivity among health care practitioners in National Guard Hospital.

Background: This study investigates the physical activity levels and workplace stress experienced by health care practitioners at the National Guard Hospital (NGH) in Riyadh. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions to enhance the overall wellbeing of this professional group. The study addresses the dearth of research on the relationship between physical activity, demographic characteristics, and workplace stress among healthcare practitioners. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted, utilizing a self-administered online questionnaire distributed among 372 health care practitioners at NGH. The questionnaire collected demographic data, assessed physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form, and measured workplace stress through The Workplace Stress Scale. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and associations using P values, were employed to explore the relationships between physical activity, demographic factors, and workplace stress. Results: The results revealed a diverse demographic profile, with a mean age of 34.4 years and a predominantly female (69.1%) workforce. Nurses constituted the largest professional group (41.1%), and medical departments housed the majority (72.3%) of participants. While 25.8% engaged in vigorous physical activities, 25.0% in moderate activity, and 76.9% in walking activities, the IPAQ categorization showed that 49.5% had low activity, 18.5% had moderate activity, and 32.0% had high activity. Workplace stress varied, with 7.0% reporting no stress, 21.5% fairly low stress, 34.4% moderate stress, 20.2% severe stress, and 16.9% having a potentially dangerous stress level. Significant associations were found between physical activity levels and departmental affiliation (P = 0.041), while no significant associations were observed between workplace stress and demographic factors. Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of tailored interventions that consider the diverse needs of health care practitioners in different departments. Workplace wellness programs should target specific professional groups and address both physical activity and stress management to enhance the overall health and job satisfaction of healthcare professionals.