Levels and types of physical activity in Russia according to the ESSE-RF study: is there a trace of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Abstract

Aim. To study levels and types of physical activity, as well as its individual socio-demographic and seasonal determinants in the Russian population according to the Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Diseases and their Risk Factors in Regions of Russian Federation (ESSE-RF) study.Material and methods. Data from the ESSE-RF2 (2017) and ESSERF3 (2020-2022) was used. The sample included 28731 men and women aged 35-74 from 15 regions. The level of physical activity was assessed using the Global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ). The following socio-economic and demographic characteristics were taken as covariates: sex, age, place of residence (urban and rural), level of education, marital status, work characteristics, income level, season of the year. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22 (IBM Corp. USA).Results. The study showed that 27,4% of the sample have insufficient physical activity. Among the low physical activity category, there are more women than men (28,12 vs 26,7%, p<0,001); among men, high physical activity was more often identified (24,1 vs 18,3%, p<0,001). Compared to the urban population, rural residents have higher physical activity rates (23,9 vs 20,3%, p<0,001). The proportion of people with high physical activity is also higher among people with higher income levels (p<0,001). General physical activity in men is higher compared to women, due to work and recreational activity, but transport-related physical activity is significantly higher in women. From 2017 to 20202022, the population level of physical activity decreased.Conclusion. This study provides the most complete description of Russian patterns of physical activity and shows the areas of necessary intervention for the development of measures and programs aimed at increasing physical activity of Russian population.