Perceived Barriers and Benefits of Exercise among Psychiatric Nurses

Background: Physical inactivity is believed to negatively impact both mortality and morbidity. To address this issue, it is essential to analyze the perceived benefits and barriers to physical activity and work toward overcoming these challenges. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess nurses' perceptions of the advantages and barriers to exercise in primary healthcare facilities in Baghdad City. Methods: An observational study carried out between December 12th, 2022, and January 3, 2023, at psychiatric settings. The information was gathered from five hospitals that include psychiatric wards in Baghdad City. The study's tools were divided into three categories: Part One: Demographic characteristics that include (ages, gender, marital status, educational level, exercise, body mass index, Smoking and intension to exercise). Part Two: To Assess nurses Perceived benefits of exercise and subscale scores for exercise. Part Three: To Assess nurses’ perceived barriers and subscale scores in terms of exercise. Results: This study finding that the sample participating in the study amounted to 150 nurses, that most of the study sample was from 31 to 40 years old, at a rate of 46.67%, and that the sample of men was higher than that of women by (78%), 85.33% of the sample whose marital status was married, as well The sample was distributed in terms of certificate between graduates of the Medical Institute and graduates of the College of Nursing with a bachelor's degree. Conclusion: The study's findings suggest that exercise frequency will increase as perceived benefits of exercise increase and decrease as perceived barriers to exercise increase.