Abstract:

This study adopted a cross-sectional design and deployed a quantitative methodology to assess the effect of dietary intake and physical activities in Nasarawa state. The questionnaire was adapted as an instrument for data collection. 400 respondents were sampled through a multistage sampling technique and 300 were interviewed using the epi-info mobile data collection tool. Data from the field survey were presented in frequency and simple percentages informed by the chart. The study revealed that although the majority of PHC staff get daily exercise from engaging in daily activities like walking, cooking, sweeping, etc. only a few (43.33%) on average followed a planned exercise program and exercised vigorously at least three times weekly as recommended by WHO. The study also reveals that the dietary component of the PHC staff interviewed consists mostly of free sugars, saturated fats, trans-fats, and high levels of salt intake. More also the findings reveal that poor diet and exercise habits influence the performance of primary health care workers. It was concluded that Primary Health Care workers in Nasarawa state maintain an inadequate level of diet and physical activities, dietary intake and physical activities affect the performance of PHC staff, and PHC workers don’t practice and maintain good diet and physical activities habit, therefore there is need for promotion of health education activities related to diet and physical activities at PHC level across the state to inspire and motivate PHC staff to take up a healthy diet and exercise habit.

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