Social and environmental determinants of physical activity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Abstract

Socio-ecological determinants may affect the physical activity (PA) in COPD patients, but knowledge on this topic is still scarce. Aim: To assess the association between patients9 social and environmental characteristics, and PA amount and intensity. Methods: 411 COPD patients were recruited in 5 cities from Catalonia in 2015. Social (work, marital, and socioeconomic status (SES), dog walking, grandchildren care and having lift) and environmental characteristics (surrounding greenness and distance to green or blue spaces) were collected. PA variables (walking time, time in any-intensity (>1.5 METs) and moderate-to-vigorous (>3 METs) PA and VMU/min) were measured by the MoveMonitor accelerometer during 1 week. We built multivariable linear regression models. Results: Patients were 85% male, had mean(SD) age 69(9)y, FEV 1 76(17)%pred and BMI 28(5)kg/m 2 . Walking the dog was significantly associated with higher PA amount, low SES related to spending more time in any-intensity PA, and taking care of grandchildren associated with higher PA intensity Environmental variables did not show significant relationships with PA amount or intensity. Conclusions: COPD patients who walk the dog have higher levels of PA and those taking care of grandchildren have higher PA intensity. Social characteristics should be considered when designing future PA interventions.