The Role of Physical Activities in the Prevention of Lifestyle Diseases Among Staff of Edo State Internal Revenue
Abstract
This study employed a quantitative survey research design to investigate the prevalence of lifestyle diseases, sedentary behaviours, and the effectiveness of physical activity programs among employees of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service. A structured questionnaire was designed and administered to a sample of 120 respondents, utilizing a convenient sampling technique. The primary data collection method allowed for the collection of detailed insights into the participants’ physical activity levels, perceptions of health initiatives, and their impact on lifestyle diseases. The data collected were presented and analyzed using SPSS version 27, a statistical software known for its effectiveness in handling quantitative data. A one-sample t-test, assuming a mean of 0, was employed to test the hypotheses related to the associations between lifestyle diseases, sedentary behaviour, historical engagement in physical activities, and the impact of physical activity programs. The critical table value of 2.92 at a 5% level of significance guided the assessment. The findings revealed significant associations between the prevalence of lifestyle diseases and sedentary behaviour, emphasizing the need for interventions targeting sedentary work environments. Additionally, historical engagement in physical activities within the organization positively correlated with employees’ overall health. However, the study identified that the implementation of physical activity programs had varying impacts on reducing lifestyle diseases among staff members. In conclusion, the study highlighted the importance of recognizing sedentary behaviour as a significant contributor to lifestyle diseases and emphasized the positive impact of historical engagement in physical activities on overall employee health. The recommendations provided underscored the need for tailored health interventions, leadership involvement, and continuous program evaluation. These insights contribute to the ongoing discourse on employee well-being and lay the foundation for future research in organizational health promotion strategies.
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background to the Study
The contemporary lifestyle of individuals has undergone a significant paradigm shift characterised by sedentary habits, elevated stress levels, and poor dietary choices, contributing to a concerning surge in lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity (Ortega et al., 2021; Palomo et al., 2020). The workforce, constituting the backbone of any organization, is particularly vulnerable to these health challenges due to prolonged periods of desk-bound activities and demanding work schedules (Tomkinson & Olds, 2019). The Edo State Internal Revenue Service, being a crucial government institution, is not immune to these concerns. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, this research aims to explore the pivotal role of physical activities in preventing lifestyle diseases among the staff of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service.
Empirical evidence suggests that physical inactivity is a significant contributor to the rise in lifestyle diseases globally (Ortega et al., 2021; Palomo et al., 2020). AVENA study emphasized the low level of physical fitness in Spanish adolescents and its relevance for future cardiovascular health, highlighting the importance of physical activity in maintaining cardiovascular well-being (Ortega et al., 2021). Similarly, research among university students in South Central Chile revealed a high prevalence of classic cardiovascular risk factors, emphasizing the need for interventions promoting physical activity (Palomo et al., 2020).
In the context of Nigeria, Ejechi and Ogege (2021) explored the socio-demographic, health-related, and physical-environmental correlates of physical activity among urban-dwelling Nigerians in early old age. Understanding these factors is essential for tailoring interventions to specific demographic groups, ensuring that preventive measures are effective and inclusive. Reiner et al. (2023) provided a comprehensive review of longitudinal studies, affirming the long-term health benefits of physical activity.
Biswas et al. (2021) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on sedentary time, associating it with the risk of disease incidence, mortality, and hospitalization in adults. Given the nature of desk-bound jobs, sedentary behaviour is prevalent among office workers, making it imperative to implement strategies that encourage movement and physical activity within the workplace. The mental health aspect of physical activity is also noteworthy. Firth et al. (2021) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, highlighting the positive effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive functioning in people with schizophrenia. Schuch et al. (2022) extended this perspective to the general population, emphasizing exercise as a treatment for depression. The mental health benefits associated with physical activity are crucial for individuals facing high levels of stress, a common feature in demanding work environments.
The global burden of non-communicable diseases, as reported by the World Health Organization (2022), further emphasizes the urgency of preventive measures. Abegunde et al. (2021) specifically addressed the burden and costs of chronic diseases in low-income and middle-income countries, bringing attention to the economic implications of failing to address lifestyle diseases proactively. This resonates with the need for organizations, especially government institutions like the Edo State Internal Revenue Service, to invest in employee health and well-being to ensure a productive and resilient workforce.
The prevalence of lifestyle diseases in Nigeria is a growing concern. Lee et al. (2022) highlighted the effect of low physical activity on major non-communicable diseases worldwide, underscoring the need for targeted interventions. Abubakari and Bhopal (2018) conducted a systematic review on the prevalence of diabetes, overweight/obesity, and low physical activity in Ghanaians and Nigerians, shedding light on the specific challenges faced by populations in these regions.
Workplace health promotion initiatives, as studied by Ogungbenle (2021), are integral to addressing the health of the workforce. Understanding the determinants of physical activity, as explored by Sobngwi et al. (2022) in urban and rural Cameroon, helps in tailoring interventions to specific contexts. Ejechi’s comparative study (2023) of physical activity and cognitive function among elderly Nigerians in rural and urban areas provides insights into the variations in lifestyle patterns that impact health outcomes.
Hallal et al. (2022) presented a global perspective on physical activity levels, emphasizing the need for surveillance and intervention strategies. Oyeyemi et al.’s studies (2023; 2018) specifically focus on the prevalence and profile of physical activity among adults in metropolitan Nigerian cities. These findings are crucial for informing targeted interventions at the regional level.
Statement of Problem
The contemporary lifestyle, marked by sedentary habits, high stress levels, and poor dietary choices, has ushered in a concerning rise in lifestyle diseases globally. While empirical evidence, as presented in studies such as the AVENA study (Ortega et al., 2021) and investigations on cardiovascular risk factors among university students (Palomo et al., 2020), underscores the importance of physical activity in mitigating these health challenges, there exists a significant gap in understanding the specific factors contributing to the prevalence of lifestyle diseases among the workforce, particularly within governmental institutions like the Edo State Internal Revenue Service.
Limited research has been conducted to assess the determinants of physical inactivity and its impact on the health of employees, especially in the context of demanding work schedules and prolonged periods of desk-bound activities (Tomkinson & Olds, 2019). The existing literature, while providing valuable insights into the global burden of non-communicable diseases and the benefits of physical activity (World Health Organization, 2022; Reiner et al., 2023), lacks a focused examination of the unique challenges faced by government employees, such as those within the Edo State Internal Revenue Service.
Furthermore, while studies like those by Biswas et al. (2021) emphasize the detrimental effects of sedentary behaviour, there is a scarcity of research investigating the specific interventions and workplace health promotion initiatives that can effectively encourage physical activity among the workforce, align with the socio-demographic and environmental factors specific to the Nigerian context (Ogungbenle, 2021; Sobngwi et al., 2022).
The prevalence of lifestyle diseases in Nigeria, as highlighted by Abubakari and Bhopal (2018), necessitates a more nuanced exploration of the socio-cultural and economic factors influencing physical activity patterns among the Nigerian workforce, particularly within the public sector. Thus, there is a critical need for targeted research that not only identifies the gaps in physical activity but also proposes practical and culturally relevant interventions to address the rising tide of lifestyle diseases among employees of government institutions in Nigeria, with a specific focus on the Edo State Internal Revenue Service.
Objectives of the Study
The specific objectives of this study, formulated in the past tense, are as follows:
- To assess the prevalence of lifestyle diseases among the staff of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service.
- To examine the historical engagement of staff in physical activities within the organisation.
- To evaluate the impact of implementing physical activity programs on the health and well-being of the staff.
Research Questions
To guide the investigation, the following research questions are posed:
- What is the current prevalence of lifestyle diseases among the staff of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service?
- How have staff members historically engaged in physical activities within the organization?
- What is the perceived impact of implementing physical activity programs on the health and well-being of the staff?
Research Hypotheses
The study tests the following hypotheses:
Null Hypotheses(H0):
- There is no significant association between the prevalence of lifestyle diseases and the sedentary behaviour of the staff.
- Historical engagement in physical activities within the organisation is not positively correlated with employees’ overall health.
- The implementation of physical activity programs has no significant impact on reducing lifestyle diseases among the staff.
Alternative Hypotheses(H1):
- There is a significant association between the prevalence of lifestyle diseases and the sedentary behaviour of the staff.
- Historical engagement in physical activities within the organisation is positively correlated with employees’ overall health.
- The implementation of physical activity programs has a significant impact on reducing lifestyle diseases among the staff.
Significance of the Study
This research holds significant importance across multiple dimensions, adding valuable contributions to the current body of knowledge. Primarily, it unveils the intricate relationship between sedentary work environments and the emergence of lifestyle diseases, addressing a crucial gap in understanding within the existing literature. By elucidating this connection, the study not only broadens academic insights but also contributes practical solutions by delving into the potential benefits of incorporating physical activities within a workplace setting.
The insights derived from this research have substantial implications for policy formulation concerning employee health and wellness, extending beyond the confines of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service to offer guidance for organizations grappling with similar challenges. The findings can serve as a foundation for the development of comprehensive policies that prioritize the integration of physical activities into the daily work routine, fostering a healthier and more resilient workforce.
Moreover, this study acts as a valuable resource for various stakeholders, including health practitioners, policymakers, and academicians, all of whom play pivotal roles in enhancing the well-being of the workforce. The implications of the research extend beyond the organizational boundaries, offering actionable insights that can be applied across diverse sectors. As a result, this research contributes not only to the academic discourse surrounding workplace health but also to the practical realm of policy implementation and health promotion, ultimately striving to create a positive impact on the overall health and productivity of employees.
Scope of the Study
In the past tense, the study was confined to the staff of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service. The focus encompassed their health status, historical engagement in physical activities within the organization, and the impact of physical activity programs. The research did not extend beyond the confines of the workplace or include external factors influencing lifestyle diseases.
Operational Definition of Terms
To enhance clarity, the following terms are operationally defined within the context of this study:
Lifestyle Diseases: Chronic diseases resulting from an individual’s daily habits and choices, including but not limited to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity.
Sedentary Behaviour: Prolonged periods of sitting or low levels of physical activity during work and leisure.
Prevalence: The proportion of cases of a particular condition within a specified population at a specific time.
Historical Engagement: The past patterns and levels of involvement in physical activities by employees within the organization.
Impact: The measurable effect of implementing physical activity programs on the health and well-being of the staff.
Physical Activity Programs: Organized and structured initiatives aimed at promoting physical exercise and movement among employees.
Health and Well-being: The overall state of physical, mental, and social health of individuals.
Organization: Refers specifically to the Edo State Internal Revenue Service in the context of this study.
REFERENCES
- Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2019). Research Methods for Business Students (8th ed.). Pearson Education.
- Schuch, F. B., Vancampfort, D., Richards, J., Rosenbaum, S., Ward, P. B., & Stubbs, B. (2022). Exercise as a treatment for depression: a meta-analysis adjusting for publication bias. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 77, 42–51. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
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