The Relationship between Exercise and Quality of Life in Medical Professions

Exercise and Quality of Life in Medical Professions

Abstract

The medical profession works hard, resulting in reduced time for proper sleep and exercise. Poor quality of life affects work performance. This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of exercise among the medical profession and to assess the relationship between exercise and quality of life. This study was conducted during the period from December 2023 to January 2024, self-administered questionnaires were distributed to doctors, pharmacists, nurses, medical technologists and physiotherapists working at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital. Adequate exercise was defined as an average exercise ≥ 150 minutes/week. Quality of life was assessed using SF-36. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one way ANOVA test and chi-square test. It revealed that among 452 medical professions, the prevalence of adequate exercise was 19.9%. Doctors had more adequate exercise than nurses and pharmacists [11.1%, 7.7% and 1.1% respectively, (p < 0.001)]. Medical technologists and physiotherapists were not found to provide appropriate exercise. Medical professions who exercised appropriately had a significantly better quality of life than who exercised inadequately and did not exercise (p < 0.001). Thus, most medical professions still lack adequate exercise to maintain good health. Proper exercise is associated with a better quality of life, both physically and mentally