PERCEIVED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY BENEFITS BY UNIVERSITY STAFF IN SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study determined perceived physical activity benefits by staff in two Federal Universities located in the South-eastern part of Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted. A total of 600 University staff from two Federal Universities in Southeastern Nigeria (mean age= 39.2, SD= 15.71) participated in the study. Samples were specifically selected based on categories of gender and staff cadre (teaching and non-teaching). A structured and validated questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Staff generally perceived physical activity as beneficial to disease risk reduction, improved social, emotional, and physical health but not as beneficial to spiritual health. Taken as a whole, there was no significant difference in overall perceived Physical activity benefits based on gender (males: =3.33; SD=1.99, and females: =3.29; SD=2.2.60; t (598)=.642, p.521, two tailed). However, both teaching and non-teaching staff differed significantly on perceived physical activity benefits (Teaching staff: =3.34, SD=2.31 and non-teaching staff  =2.78, SD=2.46; t (598) = .099, p.027, two tailed). It was concluded that Staff in Federal universities in the Southeastern part of Nigeria perceived physical activity positively as a means for improving and maintaining physical, social and emotional health and reduction of disease risks. It was concluded that staff are boldly aware of the importance of physical activity to general health. The physical activity promotion implications for University staff were discussed within the framework of the findings.