Physical Activity in the Southern Great Plain Region of Hungary: The Role of Sociodemographics and Body Mass Index.

Ferenc Győri,Zoltán Katona,Beáta Vári,Tamás Berki,Zita Petrovszki,Zsolt Katona

doi:10.3390/ijerph182312414

Abstract

This study explores the level of physical activity and its associations with sociodemographics and body mass index (BMI) in the Southern Great Plain region of Hungary. A total of 1648 adults (Men = 572; Women = 1076) were involved in this study. Their mean age was 43.0 (SD = 15.3), and they were recruited at different face-to-face events from July 2018 to January 2019. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to assess physical activity, and the participants were asked different questions related to their sociodemographics (e.g., education, income) and physical attributes (e.g., height, weight). Additionally, a descriptive statistical, chi-square test was used the see the gender differences, and multinominal regression analysis was used to see the associations between gender, age, place of residence, education, income, BMI, and physical activity levels. Our analysis showed that 19.2% of the sample had a low-, 41.1% had a moderate-, and 39.7% had a high level of physical activity. Furthermore, a high and a moderate level of physical activity were associated with gender, age, residence, education, and BMI. We believe this present study helps understand the role of physical activity in health through the example of the Southern Great Plain region of Hungary, which can provide useful information for experts to increase participation in regular physical activity.

Highlights

The level of physical activity showed that 19.2% of the participants had low, 41.1% had moderate, and 39.7% of them had a high level of physical activity
We described the characteristics of physical activity in the Southern Great Plain region of Hungary among the adult population
We analyzed body mass index (BMI) and sociodemographic predictors, such as age, gender, education, residence, and income, and we concluded the following: (1) 39.7% of the respondents belonged to the category of high physical activity and 19.2% to the category of low physical activity; (2) younger men had higher odds of engaging in a high level of physical activity than women in any age group; (3) people living in rural places had lower odds of participating in moderate or high physical activity levels; (4) vocational school qualifications lowered the chance of a high and moderate level of physical activity; and (5) normal BMI was associated with a high level of physical activity

Summary

Introduction

The benefits of physical activity (PA) has become a leading topic of study in sports and health sciences since physical inactivity is a leading contributor to global mortality rates [1]. The beneficial outcome of physical activity is widely known. Several researchers have found that regular exercise is one of the effective ways to maintain and improve physical fitness and health; it increases physiological functions and has a positive impact on mental health and the prevention of many chronic diseases [2–4]. Physical activity helps delay the aging process and increases subjective well-being in all ages [5,6]. It has a beneficial effect on body composition. It is well known that physical inactivity increases the chances of a higher body mass index (BMI) in both genders [7].

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