Physical inactivity among corporate bank workers in Accra, Ghana: Implications for health promotion

Introduction It is common knowledge that any activity that results in caloric expenditure has the potential to prevent cardiovascular diseases, nonetheless, most people are physically inactive, especially office workers. This study sort to evaluate at baseline, the extent of physical inactivity and its determinants among staff of selected banks in Accra, Ghana. Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving 219 banking staff randomly selected from five commercial banking institutions in Accra, Ghana. Demographic data was collected with a structured questionnaire. Physical inactivity was assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Study associations were determined using univariate analysis, and multivariate logistic regression models with adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) estimated. Results Of the 219 participants studied, the male to female ratio was 1.3:1.0 and the mean age (± SD) was 40.0±7.9 years. Overall, 165 (75.3%) of the study participants indulged in some form of physical activity, however, only 40 (18.3%) achieved the recommended levels. Physical inactivity was observed in 179 (81.7%) participants. The following were independently associated with physical inactivity: travel-related activities (AOR, 0.151; 95% CI, 0.059-0.384; p<0.001); working in the bank for 6-10 years (AOR, 4.617; 95% CI, 1.590-13.405; p=0.005); and working in the bank for 11 years and above (AOR, 2.816; 95% CI, 1.076-7.368; p=0.035). Conclusion Physical inactivity was very high among bankers. Travel-related activities and working at the bank for more than six years were associated with physical inactivity. Thus, promoting regular physical activity, frequent monitoring, and implementation of other appropriate healthy lifestyle intervention strategies are vital to reduce risk of early onset disease conditions associated with physical inactivity in this population.