Published in PLOS One on 2026-02-03, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Blossom Adaeze Maduafokwa, Mobolanle Balogun, Kamaldeen Sunkanmi Abdulraheem, Sylvester Chima
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0342108
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Physical inactivity is a major global public health concern, identified by the World Health Organization as the fourth leading cause of mortality worldwide and associated with an estimated 3.2 million deaths annually. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) serve as frontline advocates for health promotion and disease prevention, yet many struggle to maintain adequate levels of physical activity themselves, which not only compromises their health but also diminishes their capacity to counsel patients effectively. This qualitative study explored the facilitators and barriers of physical inactivity, sedentariness, and exercise adoption among healthcare professionals in Lagos State, Nigeria, using the Social Ecological Model (SEM) to examine influences at individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy levels. Data were collected through six focus group discussions with healthcare professionals, four in-depth interviews with family members of HCPs, and five key informant interviews with healthcare facility heads and policy makers in urban planning in Lagos State. Findings revealed that time constraints, heavy workloads, inadequate infrastructure, safety concerns, and cultural norms were major barriers to physical activity, while facilitators included peer support, leadership engagement, self-efficacy, and incentives such as free gym access. Organizational strategies such as provision of onsite gyms at healthcare facilities, scheduled breaks, and promotion of a workplace fitness culture were identified as critical enablers. The study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive, multi-level interventions to address barriers and strengthen facilitators of physical activity among healthcare professionals. Addressing these gaps is essential not only for improving their health but also for enhancing their role as credible advocates of active lifestyles.
Introduction
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain the leading causes of mortality worldwide, accounting for seven of the ten top causes of death globally. [1] The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that physical inactivity, a major modifiable risk factor for NCDs, accounts for more than 5 million deaths annually, making it one of the leading modifiable risk factors for noncommunicable diseases worldwide. [2] Physical inactivity has been described as a global “pandemic” with profound health, social, and economic consequences. [3] Sedentariness is now recognized as a major global public health problem, contributing substantially to morbidity and mortality. Prolonged sitting and physical inactivity are strongly associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and certain cancers, independent of overall physical activity level. [4] While quantitative studies have consistently linked physical inactivity and sedentariness to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, cancers, and premature mortality, these findings alone do not explain why individuals remain inactive or what prevents them from adopting more active lifestyles [5]. A deeper, qualitative understanding of the barriers and facilitators of physical activity is needed to design interventions that are context-specific, sustainable, and effective. In low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria, rapid urbanization, constrained built environments, and work-related factors exacerbate sedentary behaviors, further amplifying the burden of preventable chronic diseases. [6]
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider financing & policy desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Blossom Adaeze Maduafokwa, Mobolanle Balogun, Kamaldeen Sunkanmi Abdulraheem, Sylvester Chima. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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