Association between Physical Activity and Stress Levels in Various Domains of AcademicWork among Teaching Staff of Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Bayero University, Kano

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have reported variable levels of work-related stress among academics due to factors such as high workload, stiff competition for funding to pursue highquality research, and increasing administrative responsibilities among others. Nevertheless, there is limited information about work-related stress and its influencing factors among academic staff in Nigerian Universities. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and pattern of work-related stress, as well as its association with physical activity level among academic staff of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences (FAHS), Bayero University, Kano.

Method: This cross-sectional study utilized a Google form generated link containing the study information sheet, consent form, and questionnaires, namely; (i) the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-short form to assess stress, and (ii) a work-related stress assessment questionnaire to assess work-related stress. The link was shared with respondents via email or Whatsapp® (group platform of the faculty staff). A paper version of the questionnaire was also made available to some respondents. Data obtained was analyzed using frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation, as well as and Chi-square test.

Results: The majority of the participants were males (84.3%), married (86.3%), aged between 31-45 years (74.5%), have a teaching experience of 6-10 years (47.1%). High-stress perceptions were reported for items such as preparation of examination results by 39(76.5%) participants. Also, supervision of students’ projects, sourcing for funding for research and career development were identified as sources of high or very high stress by 25(49.1%), 31(60%), and 32(63%) participants, respectively. Many of the respondents reported being either moderate 18(35%) or high 23(45%) physical activity levels. Furthermore, there were significant associations between physical activity level and academic stressing outcomes such as invigilation (p=0.003), delivery of lectures (p=0.003), setting examinations questions (p=0.041), and institutional administration (p=0.045).

Conclusion: It was concluded that irrespective of physical activity levels, workrelated stress, mainly the areas of academic workload and student-related issues, is common among academic staff of the studied population. Therefore, these sources of stress must be addressed to help academics provide quality services.

Keywords: Work-Related Stress, Academic Staff, University, Prevalence, Physical Activity