AN INVESTIGATION OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS’ HEALTH BELIEFS ABOUT SPORTIVE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

OBJECTIVES: In this study, healthcare professionals’ beliefs about sportive recreational activities were examined. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted with 940 volunteer healthcare professionals. The Sociodemographic Information Form prepared by the authors and the Health-Belief Scale on Sportive Recreational Activities (HBSSRA) determined on the basis of their literature review were used to collect data. RESULTS: Although it was concluded that 72% of the healthcare professionals did not have enough free time, the participation rate in sportive recreational activities reached 71.4%. The study revealed that 44.9% of the participants preferred to engage in sportive recreational activities individually, while 55.1% wanted to do such activities in a group. It was found that 72.9% of the participants took part in sports activities for health-related reasons. The mean health-belief score of the healthcare professionals regarding recreational activities was found to be 80.38 (SD = 10.32). As this score is very close to the maximum value (105.00), it can be stated that their health beliefs are high. CONCLUSIONS: It is understood that participation in sportive recreational activities has positive effects on individuals’ physical and mental health; however, there are also some factors that prevent individuals’ participation in such activities. The income level, the marital status, the spouse’s employment status, having children, and time spent at the place of residence are important factors preventing participation in sportive recreational activities. This study is expected to help individuals gain a perspective about participation in sportive recreational activities, and to provide more evidence in raising the awareness about the protection of individual health. In addition, it is expected to help shape the behaviors aimed at being healthy by improving one’s own health-related beliefs. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(2):217 – 33