The Determining of Relationship Between Physical Activity and Perceived Stress Level in Security Service Employees

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine physical activity (PA) levels and to analyze the relationship between PA and stress. 178 voluntary male (M_age:33.01±4.70 year) security employees participated in this study in total. The data were collected by self-report using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-Short Form and Perceived Stress Scale. Mean, standard deviation, frequency and percent values are given in the descriptive statistics of the variables. The relationship between physical activity and perceived stress level (PSL) was determined using the Spearman rho correlation. Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare valuables. The Pearson Chi-Square test was used to examine the relationship between categorical variables and the significance level was set at 0.05. The results show that 53.4% (n=95) of the individuals are physically inactive, 31.4% (n=56) of them are minimally active, and only 15.2% (n=27) are active. It was determined that approximately ¼ of the participants exercise regularly. Negative weak correlation appeared between moderate - vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and PSL (r = -.221; p<0.01). 78.7% (n=140) of the employees have moderate stress. Besides, 67.4% (n=29) of the individuals who work shifts and do PA regularly have moderate stress (p>0.05). On the other hand, 12.6% (n=17) of the individuals who work shifts but do not do PA have high-stress (p<0.05). Individuals who state they do exercise regularly and work on a regular day shift have lower stress scores compared to those who do not (p<0.05). In conclusion, the research reveals that ¾ of the individuals have moderate stress and half of them are inactive. It can be said that less MVPA level and shift system is associated with a higher stress level. Joining physical activity programs regularly and increasing MVPA level can reduce perceived stress level.