Prevalence and predictors of physical activity among community-dwelling older adults in Mansoura, Egypt

Abstract

Nesrine S. Farrag, Hala S. Abou-Elwafa, Abdel-Hady El-Gilany

Introduction: Older people represent a growing proportion of the population who often suffer from multiple diseases and disabilities. Hence, physical activity is required to maintain body function and strength. Aims: This study aims to describe the pattern of physical activity of community-dwelling older adults (60 years and more) and its associated factors in Mansoura, Egypt. Methods: A cross-sectional population-based study was carried out in both urban and rural areas of Mansoura District, Egypt. Self-reported data were collected from a representative sample of 671 participants at their homes. International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form was used to assess physical activity. Logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of physical activity. p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Results showed that 71.2% of participants had low physical activity level. Higher physical activity level was associated with male gender; normal weight; younger age; and current work with Adjusted Odds Ratio (95% Confidence Interval)[AOR (95% CI)] of 4.2 (2.3–7.6); 3.1 (1.8–5.3); 2.4 (1.4–4.4); 2.8 (1.8–4.2), respectively. The use of assistive devices, the presence of cardiac disease, or musculoskeletal disease were associated with lower physical activity level with AOR (95% CI) of 0.3 (0.2–0.5), 0.3 (0.2–0.6), and 0.3 (0.2–0.5), respectively. Conclusions: These findings draw attention of decision makers to the magnitude of the problem and might help them develop a tailored intervention to tackle physical inactivity in elderly