Prevalence and factors associated with physical inactivity among the elderly: a population-based study

Abstract Objectives: To determine the prevalence of physical inactivity among elderly individuals in the municipality of Viçosa, Minas Gerais and identify associated factors. Method: A cross-sectional population-based study of 621 elderly persons was conducted in Viçosa, Minas Gerais. The dependent variable was physical inactivity, defined by the question "Do you practice some kind of physical activity?" The definition of the term "physical activity" was restricted to activities performed regularly, for at least 20 minutes, three times a week, disregarding domestic, industrial and transportation activities. The independent variables were age; gender; education; self-rated health; functional capacity; history of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and osteoporosis; overweight; risk of metabolic disorders; smoking; number of medical appointments; history of hospitalizations in the last year and private health insurance. Descriptive analysis and multiple Poisson regression were used. Results: The prevalence of physical inactivity was 70.1% (95% CI: 66.0%-74.0%). The associated factors were the male gender, aged over 80 years, less educated, low functional capacity, smokes and did not have private health insurance. Conclusion: The high prevalence of physical inactivity and its associated factors indicate the need to develop systematic approaches to improve public policies directed at this age group.

摘要
研究目的：明确米纳斯吉拉斯州维索萨市老年人群体身体活动不足（physical inactivity）的患病率，并识别其相关影响因素。
研究方法：本研究采用基于人群的横断面研究设计，于米纳斯吉拉斯州维索萨市纳入621名老年人作为研究对象。因变量为身体活动不足，其判定依据为"你是否从事某类体育活动？"这一调研问题；"体育活动"的定义限定为每周至少3次、每次至少20分钟的规律性活动，且不计入家务劳动、工业劳作及通勤出行活动。自变量涵盖年龄、性别、受教育程度、自评健康状况、功能能力、糖尿病史、高血压史、血脂异常史、骨质疏松史、超重状态、代谢紊乱风险、吸烟情况、就诊次数、近1年住院史以及是否拥有私人医疗保险。本研究采用描述性分析与多重泊松回归（multiple Poisson regression）开展统计分析。
研究结果：身体活动不足的患病率为70.1%（95%置信区间：66.0%~74.0%）。相关影响因素包括男性性别、80岁以上高龄、受教育程度较低、功能能力低下、吸烟行为以及未持有私人医疗保险。
研究结论：本研究揭示的高身体活动不足患病率及其相关影响因素，提示亟需制定系统性干预方案以优化针对该老年群体的公共卫生政策。