Leisure time physical activity and health-related quality of life among corporate bank workers in Kumasi metropolis, Ghana

Abstract

It has become globally imperative to promote physical activity (PA) for the purpose of preventing obesity and mitigating the risks of associated lifestyle-related illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and cardiovascular diseases. Technological advancements have increasingly contributed to sedentary lifestyles by reducing the physical demands of work, transportation, and daily routines. This trend is particularly pronounced in sedentary occupations, such as corporate banking. In this context, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) emerges as a critical avenue for enhancing overall PA levels and counteracting sedentary behaviour. This study investigated how corporate bank workers in the Kumasi Metropolis utilise their leisure opportunities for physical activity and how these choices influence their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The survey, being cross-sectional, was conducted using a combination of simple random and convenience sampling methods. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire–Brief Version (WHOQoL-BREF) were employed to assess LTPA and HRQoL respectively. The study sampled 178 participants, comprising 123 males (69.1%) and 55 females (30.9%). Patterns of LTPA and HRQOL were analysed using descriptive statistics, while regression and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) were performed to explore associations among the variables. Findings indicated that most participants reported moderate to low levels of LTPA alongside generally high HRQoL scores. No significant association was found between LTPA and HRQoL (F = 1.33, p = .250). Additionally, the study found that demographic variables such as sex, BMI, and marital status did not significantly impact the observed patterns of LTPA or HRQoL (sex, F = .537, p = .586; marital status, F = .743, p = .616; and BMI, F = .305, p = .934). The findings further revealed that although (84.8%) respondents acknowledged the critical relevance of PA for enhancement of health and well-being, actual participation levels were considerably lower (39.9%), highlighting a clear gap between awareness and practice. This disparity emphasises the need for organisationally supported interventions that encourage structured, moderate-to-vigorous LTPA among corporate bank employees, to foster sustainable health behaviours and improved quality of life.