Assessment of Physical Activity and Its Health Implications Among Sedentary Workers in Abuja FCT

Sedentary work environments present increasing non-communicable disease risks in Nigeria's capital, where office-based employment is predominant and physical activity remains low among working adults. This study assessed the level of physical activity and its perceived health implications among sedentary workers in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted with 290 civil servants and bank workers in Garki, Wuse, and Maitama districts. A structured self-administered questionnaire incorporating the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied in analysis. Findings revealed that 68 percent of respondents were classified as physically inactive based on the World Health Organisation recommendations. Common barriers to physical activity included long working hours, heavy traffic, inadequate recreational facilities near workplaces, and limited health education on the importance of regular exercise. Respondents with prior exposure to workplace wellness programmes demonstrated significantly higher physical activity levels. Non-communicable disease risk awareness was low among physically inactive respondents. The study recommended mandatory workplace wellness programmes including physical activity health education sessions in federal and state civil service organisations and financial institutions in the FCT. Keywords: physical activity, sedentary workers, health education, Abuja, non-communicable diseases