LEVEL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN RUSSIA

Abstract

718 Physical inactivity is considered an important risk factor for development of cardiovascular diseases - the leading cause of death in Russia. In this study the level of physical activity was evaluated for employees of an industrial enterprise in Moscow, Russia using a questionnaire developed for the WHO CINDI (Countrywide Integrated Noncommunicable Disease Intervention) Program. A random sample stratified by age and sex was selected from 3,500 employees. Information was received from 652 participants or 81.5% of the sample. The questionnaire places people into high, medium and low categories of physical activity, based on frequency and intensity of physical activity at work and leisure, duration of everyday walking and a self-assessment of overall fitness. Based on this algorithm 15.9% of men and 4.7% of women were in the high, 55.8% of men and 17.9% of women were in the moderate, and 28.3% of men and 77.4% of women were in the low categories. Level of physical activity decreased with age. Women had significantly lower level of physical activity at work and in leisure time compared with men. Professionals were less active at work and more active in leisure time than manual workers. Economic and social reforms in Russia during the last decade influenced lifestyle and health behaviors. A challenge for public health professionals in Russia is to help the population to develop and maintain sufficient levels of physical activity.