Understanding Mental Health, Physical Health, and Physical Activity of State University Employees

Abstract

Mental health has become a growing concern in contemporary society. The combination of work demands and sedentary lifestyles contributes not only to the rise of mental health issues but also to the prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Given these concerns, this study examines the mental health, physical health, and physical activity of employees at a state university in the Philippines. Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Short Form Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF), while mental health was evaluated using Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Physical health was assessed through body mass index (BMI), cholesterol level, and blood glucose. Findings revealed that the majority of 210 participants (118 women; 92 men) reported high levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Most of them were also overweight, had high cholesterol levels, and were physically inactive, falling short of the recommended 150-300 minutes of weekly physical activity for optimal health and well-being benefits. Sex differences in cholesterol levels were observed, with males exhibiting higher cholesterol than females (t(208) = 2.279, p = .024). Female employees reported more mental health issues and lower physical activity engagement compared to males.  These findings underscore the need for policy interventions to enhance the overall well-being of faculty and staff in higher education institutions.