Pattern and influencing factors of leisure time physical exercises among adults in Zhejiang

Abstract

Objective To understand the pattern of and influencing factors on leisure time physical exercises among adults in Zhejiang. Method Totally 17 437 residents aged 18 years and over selected by stratified cluster random sampling in Zhejiang in 2010 were investigated. Result Overall 21.82% (95%CI: 17.12%-27.38%) of adults took part in leisure time physical exercises in 2010. The 12.89%-26.61%) (χ2=222.06, P< 0.05) areas, and also higher in females (22.91%,95%CI: 17.66%-29.15%) than in males (20.56%,95%CI: 16.39%-25.48%) (χ2=13.94, P<0.05). Adults aged 18-24 and 55-74 years were more likely to take apart in physical exercises (χ2=266.73, P<0.05), and the lowest proportion was found among farmers (5.33%,95%CI: 3.99%-7.11%) (χ2=2 078.40, P<0.05). These proportions both increased along with education level and family income increase (χ2=444.87, P<0.05; χ2=332.20, P<0.05) . Overall 83.04% and 90.08% of physical exercisers took part in exercises at least 3 times per week and 30 minutes per time, only 30.67% of those reached moderate or vigorous intensity, and overall 5.38% (95% CI: 3.85%-7.48%) of adults took part in regular leisure time physical exercises in 2010. Multiple logistic regression showed that age, education level, occupation and chronic disease history have influence on regular physical exercises. Conclusion The leisure time physical exercises level was generally low among adults in Zhejiang. Young and middle- aged adults with less education and low income especially farmers should be put on emphasis. Key words: Exercise; Cross-sectional studies; Factor analysis, statistical; Physical activity