Open AccessHow active are UK-based doctors?
Author(s) -
Erin K. Crane,
Gavin Schaller,
Maria Bergström,
Dimitra Leivadiotou,
A Simpson
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
bulletin of the royal college of surgeons of england
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1478-7075
pISSN - 1473-6357
DOI - 10.1308/rcsbull.2021.59
Subject(s) - physical activity , population , medicine , mental health , family medicine , gerontology , nursing , psychiatry , physical therapy , environmental health
It is widely accepted that physical activity is beneficial to both physical and mental health. This study looked at current activity levels of UK doctors outside the workplace and how this compared with the general population.Methods An online anonymous cross-sectional survey was circulated to UK-based doctors. Four questions regarding self-reported physical activity levels were used to generate a score, which placed respondents into ‘active’ and ‘inactive’ categories, with those in the former group not meeting the current UK guidelines for minimum levels of activity.Results A total of 245 doctors responded to the survey. Just under half (42%) of doctors did not meet the UK guidelines for physical activity; this did not differ significantly from the activity levels of the general population (p>0.05). Those working in anaesthetics and intensive care had the highest levels of active respondents (69%). When the respondents’ activity levels were compared with those of the general population within the same age group, doctors aged 25–34 years were significantly less active (p<0.001).Conclusions A national unified approach to increasing the activity levels of UK doctors should be implemented to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Making this possible will include addressing barriers such as shift work patterns, education and the resources available.