Leisure-time physical activity practices and the influencing factors among government office employees in Kigali, Rwanda

ABSTRACT

Background: Physical inactivity is one of the major risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, certain cancers, and all-cause mortality. Office employees are particularly exposed to such diseases, due to the nature of their work, which mainly involves passive activities that require less energy expenditure. Objectives: The objective of the study was to assess the leisure-time physical activity participation (LTPAP) among government employees in Kigali, Rwanda, as well as to highlight the factors that motivate, or hinder their participation. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive quantitative study was conducted with 600 participants. A stratified sampling technique was used to determine the study sample from the Government of Rwanda's Sports Policy stakeholder institutions. Then, a convenience sample of participants was selected from each stratum to form the final study sample. Data were collected using a three-part customised, self-administered questionnaire to capture demographic data, leisure-time physical activity levels (LTPA) using the Godin-Shephard questionnaire, and the factors that influenced participation. Analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to summarise and draw meaningful associations between different variables. Results: More than half (61.1%) of the participants were not sufficiently active. Physical activity levels declined significantly with advancing age (p = 0.004) and increasing working experience (p = 0.002); female participants were less active than males. The prevention of diseases and maintenance of good health were the most frequently reported contributors (48.8%) to physical activity participation, while time and tight work schedules were the most frequently reported hindrances (62.2%). Conclusion: The majority of government office employees in Kigali did not engage in sufficient leisure-time physical activity, hence they may be at high risk of developing NCDs. Strategies to increase LTPA among employees should be implemented