Self–Reported Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors among Physicians Working in Tertiary Care Hospitals in the Twin Cities: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The objective of the study was to examine whether physicians working in tertiary care hospitals adopt disease-preventing and health-promoting behaviors.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in twin cities at 10 randomly chosen tertiary healthcare facilities. Medical professionals were given the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II) questionnaire, which included sociodemographic data, diet intake, spiritual growth, health responsibility, interpersonal interactions, physical exercise, and stress management. Participants responded on a four-point Likert scale from "never" to "routinely." Responses were categorized as "poor," "moderate," "good," or "excellent." Data were analyzed using SPSS 23.

Results: The average age of participants was 31.6 years, with a standard deviation of 10.1 years. The sample had a moderate health promotion lifestyle profile, with an HPLP-II mean score of 126.68 and a standard deviation of 19.69. Among health promotion aspects, 'Spiritual Growth' had the highest mean score (25.30±4.731), and 'Physical Activity' had the lowest (17.48±4.392). Physicians affiliated with Rawal Institute of Medical Sciences had the highest aggregate scores in promoting a healthy lifestyle, while those affiliated with Pakistan Institute had lower scores. Female doctors exhibited better health responsibility practices than male physicians, while male physicians had better nutritional habits.

Conclusion: Healthcare staff in the twin cities generally followed healthy behaviors. These results emphasize the need to focus on doctors' well-being and to develop and implement policies to enhance their efforts in promoting healthy lifestyles.