Associated Factors with Regular Physical Activity among Emergency Medical Personnel in Hamadan: Applying Health Belief Model

Because of the sedentary lifestyle and decreasing mobility and physical activity of the modern man, non-contagious diseases are rising. Nurses and emergency medical personnel are of the individuals who due to their stressful jobs and intensive shift work do not have enough physical activity. The aim of this study was to determine the factors related to regular physical activity among Hamadan emergency medical personnel by applying the Health Belief Model (HBM). This descriptive–analytical study was conducted on 102 male emergency medical personnel in Hamadan Emergency Medical Services. The questionnaire, which was designed based on HBM constructs and Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), was placed at their disposal. The data were analyzed by SPSS13. In this study, 73.5% of personnel had weak physical activity. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between regular exercise, self-efficacy and physical activity (P-value = 0.036), perceived benefits and barriers to exercise self-efficacy (P = 0.001). No significant correlation between perceived benefits and barriers to physical activity were observed. According to research findings, most employees did not have enough physical activity, thus should strengthen their exercise self-efficacy, and promote awareness and knowledge especially in the workplace about exercise benefits and barriers to regular physical activity fields.