MODERATORS BETWEEN HEALTH BEHAVIOUR AND PHYSICAL FITNESS AMONG POLICE PERSONNEL IN ONDO STATE NIGERIA

This study was carried out to investigate the age, gender and years of service as moderators on the relationship between health behaviour and physical fitness among police personnel in Ondo State, Nigeria. The study used a correlational research design. There were four instruments used for the study which were Physical Fitness Assessment Questionnaire (PFAQ), Health Behaviour Questionnaire and self-developed questionnaire was used for the demographic variables which content validity were checked by a panel of experts. Proportionate stratified sampling technique was used with a sample size of 400 police personnel (PP) from 20 divisions across Ondo State, Nigeria. For data analysis, descriptive statistics (SPSS 22) and Structural Equation Modelling (SMART PLS4) were used. The structural model of the study with 5 direct paths was tested and found fitting as per set criteria. The moderating role of gender (β=0.117, t=0.890, p>0.05) was not significant in the relationship between health behaviour and physical fitness. Years of service moderate the relationship between heath behaviour and physical fitness. The study established a new paths towards investigating physical fitness especially in the police population. This study revealed that, to attain overall quality of life, health behaviour should be incorporated. Health behaviour positively predicted physical fitness. The study also revealed that older officers exhibit more positive health behaviours in predicting physical fitness than the younger officers. More research are needed aiming at institutionalizing physical fitness evaluations among police population. Possible incorporation of physical fitness test as part of promotion criteria may help us have a fit and stable police personnel. The study also recommends experimental studies for future research to validate the findings of this study.