Physical activity in leisure time and motivation among citizens with chronic disease in in Denmark

Abstract

Abstract Background Physical activity (PA) has a preventive effect on chronic disease, but PA also promotes health among citizens with chronic disease. However, the presence of chronic disease may be a barrier for PA engagement. The aim of this study was to examine the difference between citizens with various chronic diseases and all citizens in The Capital Region of Denmark in terms of the proportion who reports low PA levels in their leisure time, wants to be more physically active, and has been advised to exercise by their doctor. Methods Information from national registers on hospital diagnoses and medical treatment was used to identify citizens with chronic diseases. Data from “The Danish Capital Region Health Survey” among citizens (≥16 years) in The Capital Region in 2021 (N = 56,245, response rate=54.9%) were used to obtain information about citizens’ movement behaviour in leisure time, their motivation to become more physically active and whether they have been advised by their doctor to exercise. Results for several diseases will be presented but heart disease is used as example in this abstract. Results Preliminary results show that the proportion in 2021 who has reported low PA levels in their leisure time is almost twice as high among citizens with heart disease (35%) compared with all citizens in The Capital Region (18%). Less citizens with heart disease (62%) are motivated to become more physically active compared with all citizens in The Capital Region (73%). The proportion who has been advised to exercise by their doctor is not significantly different among citizens with heart disease (31%) and all citizens in The Capital Region (28%). Conclusions Among citizens with heart disease low PA levels in leisure time are more prevalent, they are less motivated to become more physically active and, despite their chronic illness, they receive advice from their doctor to the same extent. For citizens with chronic disease, it is important to engage in PA. Key messages • Among citizens with chronic diseases low PA levels in leisure time are more prevalent and they are less motivated to become physically active compared with all citizens in The Capital region in DK. • Despite their illness, they receive advice from their doctor about exercising to the same extent as all citizens in The Capital Region of Denmark.