Describing physical activity and its related factors of elderly people in rural and urban areas of Thua Thien Hue province in 2020

Abstract

A cross - sectional survey on 760 elderly people, with the aim, was to describe and identify factors related to the physical activity of the elderly in urban and rural areas of Thua Thien Hue province. Face-to-face interviews to collect information using the structured questionnaire. Physical activity was measured by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire scale including 4 main activities: work, transport and leisure time, and sedentary behaviours. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors related to physical activity. The results showed that 35.7% of elderly people were physically active not as recommended by World Health Organization. Factors was statistically associated with physical activity including age group; having chronic diseases; health satisfaction; quality of life; and no depression. The finding indicates that the level of insufficient physical activity among the elderly population is still high. The necessary intervention and promotion are needed to raise awareness of the elderly about the benefits of physical activity and develop an appropriate plan of physical activity for the elderly in the community.