Physical activity level, level of stress and cardiopulmonary functions in secondary school teachers in Lagos state

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the physical activity level, stress level, cardiopulmonary function and relationship among these variables in secondary school teachers in Lagos State. 

Methods: Four hundred and thirty-seven (n=437) secondary school teachers in Lagos state participated in this cross sectional analytical
survey. They were selected across three out of the six education districts present in the state. A self-administered, short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess physical activity level and the Teacher Stress Inventory was used to assess stress level. A digital sphygmomanometer was used to assess blood pressure and a spirometer was used for assessing pulmonary parameters. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22 was used for data analysis. Spearman's rank correlation was used to determine the association between variables at alpha value of p<0.05. 

Results: Overall, 59% of the respondents were physically active. 66.8% had moderate levels of stress, and 27.7% and 31.6% had  elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure respectively. Their mean forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were 1.91 ± 0.55L and 2.10 ± 0.58L respectively. A significant relationship existed between physical activity level and FEV1 as well as FVC (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Above half of the secondary school teachers in Lagos are physically active, have moderate levels of stress and being physically active improves their lung functions. Consequently, strategies to promote physical activity, reduce stress, and create awareness on the health benefits of being physically active and reducing stress are needed among secondary school teachers in the state.