Doctors lifestyle in Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of tobacco use, alcohol misuse, physical inactivity, obesity and to study associated factors. Design: A cross-sectional survey using self-administered questionnaire. Setting: Health facilities in Enugu, Nigeria. Subjects: Three hundred and sixty two registered medical doctors - ninety two females and two hundred and seventy males Main outcome measures: Self-reported data on tobacco use, cigarette smoking, weekly unit of alcoholic drink consumption, weekly participation in leisure physical activity, the most recent weight and height measurents. Results: The rate of alcohol misuse was F=3.3%, M=10.0%; tobacco use was F=2.2%, M=24.4% while only males currently smoked cigarettes (21.9%). The prevalence of over weight was F=57.6%, M=68.1%, while physical inactivity was F=68.5%, M = 59.6%. The lifestyle of the doctors was significantly associated with demographic factors and was also inter-related. The female doctors were more homogenous in behaviour than the males. Conclusion: Promotion of good dietary habits, physical activity and smoking cessation among these doctors is advocated.