Physical activity level and quality of life of Filipino community-dwelling older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, lockdown protocols for older adults were implemented globally to reduce their risks of contracting the virus. These restrictions could affect their physical activity (PA) and Quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to determine the association between physical activity level and quality of life of Filipino community-dwelling older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines. Methods: An analytic observational cross-sectional study was conducted. Filipino community-dwelling older adults aged ≥ 60 living in the Philippines during the pandemic from January 2020 - December 2022 were conveniently sampled and recruited online. They completed three questionnaires: 1) Sociodemographic information screening survey, 2) Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly in Filipino (PASE-F) to measure physical activity level, and 3) Short-Form 36 Version 2 Philippines (Tagalog SF-36v2) to measure quality of life. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics; the association was assessed using Pearson’s or Spearman’s correlation. A p < .05 is significant. Results: The study included 57 participants (69.65±7.11 years, range = 60-86; 79% female). The physical activity level was low (median = 131.8, interquartile range (IQR) = 90.7) during the pandemic. Regarding quality of life, the highest results were observed in social functioning (median = 75.00; IQR = 25.00) and lowest in role-physical (median = 62.50, IQR = 37.50). No association (p > .05, -0.3 < r < 0.3) was found between physical activity level and quality of life. Discussion: The physical activity level of Filipino community-dwelling older adults during the pandemic was low, while the quality of life was highest in social functioning and lowest in role physical. However, there was a negligible and statistically insignificant association between the two health parameters. Studies with a larger population and in-person setting may be conducted to establish stronger evidence of its supposed relationship.