Abstract
Physical activity is a complex behavior influenced by sociodemographic and clinical factors. A better understanding of the relationships between these factors is essential to better understanding their influence on physical activity. The objective of this study was to examine the association between socioeconomic status, age, body fat, and depressive symptoms and level of physical activity among adults. We conducted a cross-sectional population-based study with 808 individuals to examine the interrelations between the above factors and their influence on level of physical activity using path analysis. Age had a significant direct negative effect on level of physical activity (β = -0.113, p < 0.004) and a significant positive effect on body fat (β = 0.376, p < 0.001). Depressive symptoms were negatively influenced by socioeconomic status (β = -0.126, p < 0.001) and positively influenced by age (β = 0.244, p < 0.001) and body fat (β = 0.169; p < 0.004). Socioeconomic status, body fat and depressive symptoms did not directly influence level of physical activity. This study concludes that level of physical activity declines with advancing age.
Highlights
MethodsPhysical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that results in energy expenditure above the rate in the resting state[1] and is influenced by intrapersonal, interpersonal, environmental, political, and community factors[2,3]
The objective of this study was to examine the association between socioeconomic status, age, body fat, and depressive symptoms and level of physical activity among adults
We conducted a cross-sectional population-based study with 808 individuals to examine the interrelations between the above factors and their influence on level of physical activity using path analysis
Summary
Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that results in energy expenditure above the rate in the resting state[1] and is influenced by intrapersonal, interpersonal, environmental, political, and community factors[2,3]. Regular physical activity has been associated with health benefits and improved quality of life[4,5]. Doing regular physical activity can reduce the risk of developing a host of diseases and chronic conditions and increase life expectancy. The ecological perspective suggests that physical activity is influenced by the interaction between demographic, physiological, social, and environmental factors[9]. Further research is needed to better understand the influence of these factors on physical activity and their interrelations. Understanding why people are physically active or inactive is essential for planning evidence-based public health interventions[2]
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