Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Physical Exercise Among Elderly People in Enugu Metropolis, Nigerian

Abstract

<strong>Background:</strong> The older population is often at risk for a sedentary lifestyle, which has been related to an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Unfortunately, information on this concept is limited in sub-Saharan Africa. <strong>Objectives:</strong> To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of physical exercise among older in the Enugu metropolis. <strong>Methods:</strong> A physical exercise questionnaire was used to collect data from 365 older people conveniently recruited within the Enugu metropolis in this cross-sectional study. <strong>Results:</strong> Most (72.9%) of the respondent have good knowledge of the benefits of physical exercise, their overall attitude is positive (98.1%), and about the average (53.7%) of them practice regular exercise that mainly involves brisk walking (60.2%) and morning jogging (59.2%) for duration mainly 30 minutes to 1 hour (53.6%). A significant relationship was only found between knowledge of exercise and engagement in regular physical exercise (p &lt; .001). <strong>Conclusions:</strong> There is good knowledge and positive attitudes toward exercise among older people in the Enugu metropolis. More facilities for physical activity are recommended to boast practice.