Evaluation of the physical activity level of the soldiers of the Kinshasa Garrison: Cross-sectional and observational study

Abstract

A high level of physical activity helps soldiers to fight against many chronic non-communicable pathologies. The aim of the study was to measure the level of physical activity (PA) of soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Kinshasa, aged 19 to 69. This is a cross-sectional and observational study with a questionnaire survey. It was conducted in the Garrison of Kinshasa where cardiovascular exploration center of the bodies in military health served us as the pilot point, which constituted a convenience sample of 899 soldiers who took part in our survey. The data collection was carried out by a self-questionnaire integrating the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) score of a short version, which informed the practice of physical activity and assessed the usual daily activities, the time spent sitting at work, the use of usual health routes. The study was conducted in the garrison of Kinshasa between October 2020 and February 2021 where all categories of army rank: corporals and soldiers, non-commissioned officers, junior officers, senior officers, aged 19 to 69 years, took part in this study. A total of 899 soldiers responded to the questionnaire, consisting of 797 men and 102 women, 88.7% vs 11.3%. The mean age was 45.4±11.9 years and the mean physical activity scores were significantly different according to age and rank (p=0.007) of soldiers aged 19 to 69 years. It is shown that most of the military were inactive (54.2%) versus 45.8% were active. Of the active members, 34.3% were slightly active, 8.5% moderately active and 3.1% very active. The age of the physical inactivity level increased significantly with the chronological age of the soldier (p=0.045). This physical inactivity was significantly higher among privates & corporals and NCOs (p=0.003). Military personnel with a morbid history had a significantly higher frequency of physical inactivity (p=0.046). This study reveals that the majority of Kinshasa soldiers have a low level of physical activity. This low level of PA exposes them to develop chronic non-communicable pathology. It is suggested that a military PA program be proposed to them so that they improve their PA level.