The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Activity Levels Among Health Care Workers: Longitudinal Results From the SHAHWAR Study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate physical activity (PA) changes during the COVID-19 pandemic among health care workers.

Methods: In a follow-up study, staff PA was compared before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic regression model was used to determine the related factors with PA changes.

Results: Total PA (MET minutes a week) among participants (n = 449) showed a statistically significant decrease during the pandemic compared with before the pandemic: 3785.5 ± 2237.09 versus 2363 ± 2452.90, P < 0.0001. Although transport-related PA decreased in medical and administrative department staff (3851 ± 22.83.4 vs 2446.7 ± 2477.6, P < 0.0001 and 3593.8 ± 2094.3 vs 2122.6 ± 2373.8, P < 0.0001, respectively), the decrease was associated with employment in the administrative and nonshift sectors with odds ratios of 2.37 (1.38 to 4.08) and 2.04 (1.28 to 3.26), respectively.

Conclusion: Promoting PA at home and leisure is especially recommended to achieve the recommended PA levels.