Abstract

Improved technologies and advances in vaccines have resulted in reductions in morbidities and mortalities from infectious diseases like HIV/AIDs, tuberculosis etc; but deaths and disabilities resulting from non-communicable diseases are on the increase globally. Lifestyle behaviours (LB) are believed to be related to health, wellness and quality of life of the citizenry. Therefore, this study assessed the health and wellness lifestyle practices of staff of a tertiary educational institution in the phase of prevalent lifestyle related diseases. An analytical cross-sectional study which involved self-administration of structured questionnaire on health and wellness to 472 respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics of Chi-square statistics were used to analyze data obtained at alpha level of 0.05. Respondents whose age ranged between 23 and 64years comprised 45.8% males and 54.2% females. Their general knowledge on participation in moderate physical activity (GKMPA) as a lifestyle habit was good (60%). They also had high stress avoidance strategies (77.7%), avoidance of unsafe sexual practices (76.3%), and adherence to speed limits and usage of seat belts while driving (58.8%). However, knowledge on the use of fire safety devices was poor (28.8%). Age (X2=12.090, p=0.034) and staff status (X2=11.639, p=0.001) were significantly associated with GKMPA aspect of LB. Significant association occurred between gender, age and religion were respectively significantly associated (p<0.05) with fatty diet restriction, avoidance of destructive habits and possession of fire extinguisher aspects of LB. Finally, safe sexual orientation was significantly associated with age (X2=20.590, p=0.014) and educational status (X2=10.936, p=0.027). Most workers in tertiary institution have positive lifestyle behavior towards physical activity as an aspect of wellness requirement.

Key words: Health, Lifestyle practices, Tertiary institutions, Workers.