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Physical activity is associated with health benefit. Healthy doctors have a positive value for the stability of health care system. More knowledge is needed on the relationship between physical activity and health of Norwegian doctors.
The aims of this study were (a) to examine the trend in physical activity among Norwegian doctors, (b) to compare the level of physical activity of doctors with 7 different occupational groups and (c) to analyze the associations between physical activity, self-rated health, sickness absence and quality of life.
Methods
Data on doctors were collected in nation-wide postal surveys in 1993 (n=1,023), 2005 (n=4,965; doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers, pastors, bus drivers and people working in advertising and IT) and 2010 (n=965). Outcome measures were frequency of physical activity, self-rated health, quality of life and number of days of sickness absence in a 12 month period. Analysis included 95% CI for proportions and logistic regressions.
Results
Among doctors, the frequency of physical activity 5-7 times a week significantly increased (6% vs. 12%), 1-4 times a week significantly decreased (72% vs. 61%) and <1 time a week stayed stable (22% vs. 27%) from 1993 to 2010.
Compared to doctors (69%), participation in physical activity ≥1 a week was significantly lower among buss drivers (57%) and people working in advertising (61%), and approximately the same as among lawyers, nurses, teachers, pastors, IT-specialist (65-70%).
In separate logistic regression models among doctors, physical activity ≥1 a week was a significant predictor for self-rated health as very good (OR 2.9, 95% CI 2.1-4.0), high quality of life (OR 1.8, 1.3-2.4) and no sickness absence during the last 12 months (OR 1.5, 1.1-2.1).
Discussion
Norwegian doctors increased their physical activity from 1993 to 2010. Weekly physical activity was associated with higher quality of life and better health.